Virginia Beach, VA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- Safe, decent, sanitary (USBC)
- Inspection fee
- $50 initial + one reinspection
- Clean exemption
- 4 years, no violations found
- Max fine
- $2,500 per violation
- Enforced by
- Housing & Neighborhood Preservation Dept.
Summary
Virginia Beach can designate rental inspection districts where code enforcement checks units for compliance with the state building code's safe, decent, and sanitary living standards.
The code enforcement administrator may, in conjunction with written notification pursuant to section 16-12.3, inspect the dwelling units in the designated rental inspection districts to determine whether the units are used as residential rental property and whether such units are in compliance with the provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code that affect the safe, decent and sanitary living conditions for the tenants of such property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City council may create rental inspection districts after a public hearing and a finding that rental units are blighted, deteriorating, or otherwise need scrutiny. Inside a district, the code enforcement administrator inspects units against the Uniform Statewide Building Code's safe, decent, and sanitary standard, can order follow-up inspections until problems are fixed, and requires owners to hold a compliance certificate. Units with no violations get a four-year exemption; violations trigger the housing code's misdemeanor penalties.
Violations & Fines
Failing rental-inspection requirements draws the same penalties as any Ch. 16 housing violation: up to $2,500 per offense, six months to abate, and steeper fines or up to 10 days in jail for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Virginia Beach rentals inspected?
What can void my rental unit's exemption?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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