Rental Property Rules in Richmond, VA (2026)
10 verified rental property rules for Richmond, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
Richmond cannot impose rent control because Virginia Code 55.1-1204 and Dillon's Rule preempt local rent regulation; landlord-tenant disputes fall under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA).
Rental Property: Rent Control
Few RestrictionsVa. Code § 55.1-1204
A. A landlord and tenant may include in a rental agreement terms and conditions not prohibited by this chapter or other rule of law, including rent, charges for late payment of rent, the term of the agreement, automatic renewal of the rental agreement, requirements for notice of intent to vacate or terminate the rental agreement, and other provisions governing the rights and obligations of the ...
Just Cause Eviction
Richmond follows Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) under VA Code Title 55.1 Chapter 12. No local just-cause eviction ordinance; state law governs all terminations and evictions through General District Court.
Rental Property: Just Cause Eviction
Some RestrictionsRental Registration
Richmond requires rental inspection in designated Rental Inspection Districts under City Code Chapter 50. Landlords in blighted or deteriorating areas must register units and submit to periodic inspections certifying compliance with Virginia Maintenance Code.
Rental Property: Rental Registration
Some RestrictionsRelocation Assistance
Virginia's Dillon's Rule framework limits Richmond's authority to mandate landlord-paid tenant relocation assistance for no-fault evictions, leaving most relocation aid tied to federal redevelopment programs rather than local mandates.
Tenant Relocation Assistance Limits
Few RestrictionsSecurity Deposit Rules
Virginia's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act caps security deposits at two months' rent, requires return within 45 days of move-out with itemized deductions, and applies uniformly across Richmond rentals under state preemption.
Security Deposit Limits and Returns
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 55.1-1226(A)
A. No landlord may demand or receive a security deposit, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of two months' periodic rent. Upon termination of the tenancy or the date the tenant vacates the dwelling unit, whichever occurs last, such security deposit, whether it is property or money held by the landlord as security as provided in this section, may be applied by the landlord sole...
Cash-for-Keys Agreements
Richmond landlords and tenants commonly negotiate voluntary move-out agreements known as cash-for-keys, which fall outside Virginia's formal eviction process and lack specific local regulation under Dillon's Rule.
Cash-for-Keys Voluntary Buyouts
Few RestrictionsNo-Fault Evictions
Virginia HB 2541 (2024) tightened no-fault termination rules for residential leases, requiring just cause for non-renewal in many cases and limiting landlord ability to end tenancies without specified grounds.
No-Fault Termination Restrictions
Some RestrictionsTenant Anti-Harassment
Virginia law protects Richmond tenants from landlord retaliation and harassment for asserting their rights, including filing habitability complaints, joining tenant organizations, or pursuing legal remedies under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act.
Tenant Anti-Harassment Protections
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 55.1-1258
A. Except as provided in this section or as otherwise provided by law, a landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent or decreasing services or by bringing or threatening to bring an action for possession or by causing a termination of the rental agreement pursuant to § 55.1-1253 or 55.1-1410 after he has knowledge that (i) the tenant has complained to a governmental agency charged with respon...
Source-of-Income Discrimination
Virginia's Fair Housing Law prohibits Richmond landlords from refusing to rent based on a tenant's lawful source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Social Security, and other public assistance.
Source-of-Income Discrimination Ban
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 36-96.3(A)
A. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory housing practice for any person to: 1. Refuse to sell or rent after the making of a bona fide offer or refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, source of funds, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, o...
Section 8 Voucher Acceptance
Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority administers Housing Choice Vouchers locally, and Virginia state law requires landlords to consider voucher holders on equal terms with other applicants under amended Fair Housing protections.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Acceptance
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 36-96.3(C)
C. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory housing practice for any political jurisdiction or its employees or appointed commissions to discriminate in the application of local land use ordinances or guidelines, or in the permitting of housing developments, (i) on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, source of funds, sexual orientation, gender i...