Rent control rules in Fairfax, VA — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
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.
Virginia is a strict Dillon Rule state, meaning localities only have powers expressly granted by the General Assembly. The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, codified at Virginia Code Section 55.1-1200 and following, governs landlord-tenant relations statewide and does not authorize rent control. As a result, Fairfax County cannot cap rent increases on private market housing. The county addresses affordability through programs such as the Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance and Workforce Dwelling Unit policy, both tied to new development approvals rather than rent regulation.
There are no local rent control penalties because the county lacks authority to enact rent caps. Tenants facing improper rent practices should contact the Fairfax County Department of Cable and Consumer Services Tenant-Landlord Commission.
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