Rent control rules in Norfolk, VA — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Virginia prohibits local rent control. Norfolk cannot impose rent caps or rent stabilization under Dillon Rule. Landlord-tenant relationships governed by Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA, VA Code §55.1-1200 et seq.). Military tenant protections apply given large Navy population.
Virginia does not permit local rent control. As a Dillon Rule state, Norfolk has no authority to cap rents, impose rent stabilization, or limit rent increases without express General Assembly authority - and no such authority exists. Residential rentals in Norfolk are governed by the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA, VA Code §55.1-1200 et seq.) which sets uniform statewide rules on leases, security deposits (maximum 2 months rent), notice periods (30 days for month-to-month), maintenance obligations, and eviction. Military tenants are protected by the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) which permits lease termination upon PCS orders with 30 days notice - a significant factor given Naval Station Norfolk workforce. Norfolk does participate in Fair Housing enforcement through Norfolk Human Rights Commission and HUD. Local property taxes and utility fees affect affordability but are not rent control. Short-term rental regulations (under separate STR code) do not constitute rent control.
Landlord VRLTA violations (e.g. illegal lockout): tenant remedies including damages, actual costs, and attorney fees under Virginia law.
Norfolk, VA
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Norfolk, VA
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See how Norfolk's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
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