8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Fairfax County cannot impose rent control on private housing. Virginia is a Dillon Rule state and the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act does not authorize local rent caps, leaving rent levels to the market under Virginia Code Section 55.1-1200.
Fairfax County follows Virginia state eviction law. Virginia HB 2541 (2024) added limited just-cause termination protections for some tenants, but most evictions still proceed under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act notice and cure framework.
Fairfax County does not operate a general countywide rental registration program for single-family homes or typical long-term rentals, but the County has adopted a Residential Rental Inspection District program under Virginia Code Section 36-105.1:1, allowing inspections of rental units within designated districts. Landlords outside designated districts are not required to register.
Fairfax County landlords follow Virginia state law on security deposits. Deposits cannot exceed two months rent and must be returned within 45 days of move-out with an itemized statement under Virginia Code Section 55.1-1226.
Fairfax County follows Virginia law allowing no-fault lease nonrenewal with proper written notice. Most landlords can decline to renew without stating a reason, subject to limited just-cause protections added by Virginia HB 2541 (2024).
Fairfax County tenants are protected from landlord harassment and retaliation under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Self-help lockouts, utility shutoffs, and retaliatory rent hikes are prohibited under Virginia Code Section 55.1-1258.
Fairfax County and Virginia prohibit housing discrimination based on a tenant lawful source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Landlords cannot refuse to rent solely because the tenant uses a voucher under the Virginia Fair Housing Law.
Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority administers the Housing Choice Voucher program. Landlords cannot refuse vouchers solely because of source of income, and units must pass Housing Quality Standards inspection before lease-up.
3 cities in Fairfax County have their own rental property rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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