Rental Property Rules in Virginia Beach, VA (2026)
9 verified rental property rules for Virginia Beach, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
Virginia Beach has no rent control ordinance. Virginia state law (VA Code §55.1-1204) preempts local rent control. Landlords may set and increase rents without government caps, subject only to notice requirements.
Virginia Beach Rent Control & Stabilization Rules
Few RestrictionsVa. Code § 55.1-1204
Terms and conditions of rental agreement; payment of rent; copy of rental agreement for tenant. 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 t...
Just Cause Eviction
Virginia Beach has no just-cause eviction ordinance. Virginia landlord-tenant law (VA Code §55.1-1200 et seq.) allows termination of month-to-month tenancies with 30 days' notice without cause. Virginia does not require landlords to state a reason for non-renewal.
Virginia Beach Just Cause Eviction Protections
Few RestrictionsRental Registration
Virginia Beach requires rental property registration through its Rental Inspection Program in designated conservation areas. Not all rental properties citywide require registration, but properties in targeted neighborhoods must register and pass inspections.
Virginia Beach Rental Property Registration Requirements
Some RestrictionsRelocation Assistance
Virginia Beach does not require relocation assistance for displaced tenants outside narrow VRLTA scenarios involving uninhabitable conditions or condemnation. Dillon's Rule prevents the city from adopting broader local payments.
No Local Mandate Beyond State Floor
Few RestrictionsSecurity Deposit Rules
Virginia Beach landlords must follow VA Code §55.1-1226, which caps security deposits at two months of rent and requires return within 45 days of move-out with an itemized statement of any deductions taken.
Two Months Maximum Under State Law
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 55.1-1226
§ 55.1-1226 . Security deposits. 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, ma...
No-Fault Evictions
Virginia HB 2541 (2024) expanded just-cause termination protections statewide, narrowing landlords' ability to refuse lease renewal without a stated reason. Virginia Beach landlords must align notices with the expanded VRLTA framework.
HB 2541 Restricts No-Fault Terminations
Some RestrictionsTenant Anti-Harassment
Virginia Beach tenants are shielded by VRLTA prohibitions on self-help eviction, utility shut-offs, and lockouts. Landlords must use General District Court for any removal, and harassment can void notices.
VRLTA Protects Against Landlord Harassment
Some RestrictionsSource-of-Income Discrimination
Since 2020, the Virginia Fair Housing Law bars landlords from refusing applicants based on lawful source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Virginia Beach landlords must accept vouchers as valid income.
Voucher Discrimination Banned Statewide
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 36-96.3
source of funds, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status; 2. Discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in the connection therewith to any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, source of funds, familial status, sexual ...
Section 8 Voucher Acceptance
The Virginia Beach Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation administers Housing Choice Vouchers locally. Landlords accepting vouchers must pass Housing Quality Standards inspections and sign a HAP contract.
Vouchers Administered Through DHNP
Few RestrictionsVa. Code § 36-96.3
source of funds, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status; 2. Discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in the connection therewith to any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, source of funds, familial status, sexual ...