Loudoun County, VA Rental Inspections: Habitability Standards (2026)

Habitability standards for rental properties in Loudoun County derive from state law and the building code. The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VA Code Section 55.1-1220) requires landlords to comply with all applicable building and housing codes, make all repairs necessary to keep premises in fit and habitable condition, maintain in good and safe working order all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, provide running water and reasonable amounts of hot water and heat, and maintain all appliances supplied by the landlord. The Virginia Property Maintenance Code, enforced locally by Loudoun County, establishes minimum standards for: exterior property areas and structures (Chapter 3), light and ventilation (Chapter 4), plumbing facilities and fixtures (Chapter 5), mechanical and electrical requirements (Chapter 6), and fire safety (Chapter 7). Loudoun County's Residential Occupancy Ordinance sets specific room size requirements: bedrooms must be at least 70 square feet for one occupant (plus 50 sq ft per additional occupant up to a 200 sq ft maximum for 4 occupants). Bedrooms must provide bathroom access without passing through other bedrooms, must not serve as the only exit from other habitable rooms, and must have two exits including an exterior window with a maximum 44-inch sill height for fire egress. Kitchen minimums range from 50 sq ft (1-2 occupants) to larger for more occupants.