Virginia Lease Termination Notice Rules

Va. Code § 55.1-1253(A) governs ending periodic tenancies. "The landlord or the tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by 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." For shorter tenancies, "the landlord or the tenant may terminate a week-to-week tenancy by serving a written notice on the other at least seven days prior to the next rent due date." Notice must be in writing. A fixed-term lease generally expires on its own stated end date; the parties' agreement controls whether and how much renewal or non-renewal notice is required. These termination rules are separate from termination for cause (such as nonpayment or breach).

No specific statutory penalty. Terminating without the required written notice leaves the tenancy in effect until a proper notice period runs; a holdover tenant who stays after valid termination may face an unlawful detainer action.