3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Norfolk City, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Norfolk has no rent control, and it legally cannot enact any. Virginia is a strict Dillon's Rule state, so no locality may cap rent without the General Assembly's permission, which it has never granted. Rents follow the market.
Norfolk follows the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, not a local just-cause law. Landlords must give written notice and sue in court; a month-to-month tenancy ends on 30 days' notice, while nonpayment or lease breaches run on tighter timelines.
Va. Code § 55.1-1253
serving a written notice on the other at least 30 days prior to the next rent due date, unless the rental agreement provides for a different notice period
Norfolk runs rental inspection districts under Va. Code 36-105.1:1 and City Code Chapter 36.1. Rental homes in designated older neighborhoods must pass a code inspection and hold a certificate of compliance, with a four-year exemption once a unit passes clean.
Va. Code § 36-105.1:1(G)(1)
Upon the initial or periodic inspection of a residential rental dwelling unit subject to a rental inspection ordinance for compliance with the Building Code, provided that there are no violations of the Building Code that affect the safe, decent and sanitary living conditions for the tenants of such residential rental dwelling unit, the building department shall provide, to the owner of such re...
1 cities in Norfolk City have their own rental property rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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