Preventing Unannounced Landlord Visits in Virginia

Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Virginia published June 21, 2025 Flag of Virginia

As a renter in Virginia, you have the right to enjoy your home without unwanted interruptions. While landlords may need to enter your unit for inspections, repairs, or emergencies, the law protects your privacy by requiring advance notice in most situations. Understanding your rights can help you address unannounced visits and maintain a respectful landlord-tenant relationship.

Your Right to Privacy in Your Virginia Rental Home

Virginia law recognizes a renter’s right to privacy. Landlords must give reasonable notice—at least 24 hours—before entering your rental unit, except in emergencies. Entry reasons can include repairs, inspections, or to show the property to potential renters or buyers.

  • 24-Hour Notice: Virginia law generally requires landlords to give you at least 24 hours’ notice before entering your home.
  • Valid Reasons: Landlords may enter for inspection, to make repairs, supply agreed services, or to exhibit the unit, unless you agree otherwise.
  • Emergencies: Notice is not required if there is an emergency threatening life or property—for example, a fire or major water leak.

You can review these requirements in the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) (Section 55.1-1229).

How to Respond to Unannounced Landlord Visits

If your landlord is entering or attempting entry without proper notice, you can take action to protect your privacy:

  • Document Every Incident: Write down the date, time, and nature of any unannounced entry or attempted entry.
  • Communicate in Writing: Send a polite letter or email to your landlord reminding them of the 24-hour notice requirement, citing VRLTA Section 55.1-1229.
  • Use Official Virginia Forms: Consider sending a formal written notice, such as the "Tenant’s Written Complaint or Request for Repairs/Policy Enforcement." This form is not required by number but should include your name, rental address, details of the entry, and your request for compliance. Samples can be found on the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development website.
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What to Include in Your Written Notice

Your written complaint should clearly state:

  • Your name and rental address
  • Date(s) and description(s) of the unannounced entry
  • A reference to your right to at least 24 hours’ notice under VRLTA § 55.1-1229
  • Your request for your landlord to follow the law and provide advance notice for all future entries
Sending formal notice in writing creates a record of your request, which can be helpful if the issue continues or you need to seek further help.

When to File a Complaint or Seek Outside Help

If your landlord continues to violate your privacy rights, you may contact:

Persistent violations could allow you to pursue remedies such as ending your lease or obtaining damages, but always seek legal advice before taking action.

Relevant Official Forms for Virginia Renters

  • Tenant’s Written Complaint or Request for Policy Enforcement: There is no standardized statewide form, but you can draft your own or use samples from the Virginia DHCD Landlord-Tenant Resources page. This form is used to formally notify your landlord of policy violations, such as unannounced visits.
  • Tenant’s Assertion and Complaint (Form DC-429): If conditions persist and your landlord still ignores notice rules, you may file Form DC-429 with your local General District Court. Download the official form here. For example, you would use this form to ask the court to enforce your privacy rights and request appropriate remedies.

Completing and submitting these forms can help demonstrate your effort to resolve the issue and may support your position if legal action is necessary.

Steps to Protect Your Privacy and File a Complaint

If you decide to formally respond to repeated unannounced visits, here’s how to get started:

  • 1. Document All Incidents: Keep a written log of all unannounced entries.
  • 2. Send a Written Notice: Use a letter or a formal complaint to your landlord explaining the issue and referencing Virginia law.
  • 3. File Form DC-429 if Issue Remains: If your landlord continues violating the law, bring a completed Tenant’s Assertion and Complaint (DC-429) to your General District Court.

Taking prompt, well-documented steps helps protect your rights and demonstrates your good faith in resolving the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can my landlord enter without notice in Virginia?
    Usually no—except for emergencies, landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written or verbal notice before entering your rental unit.
  2. What counts as an emergency entry?
    An emergency includes situations where immediate entry is needed to prevent injury or further property damage, such as fire, flooding, or gas leaks.
  3. How do I report repeated unannounced landlord visits?
    Document each incident, send a written complaint to your landlord, and, if unresolved, consider filing a Tenant’s Assertion and Complaint (DC-429) with the General District Court.
  4. What if my landlord retaliates after I object?
    The law prohibits landlord retaliation against tenants exercising their rights. You can seek remedies in General District Court and should consult an attorney or tenant resource group for guidance.

Key Takeaways for Virginia Renters

  • Virginia law requires 24-hour notice for most landlord entries—except emergencies.
  • Document all incidents and notify your landlord in writing to protect your rights.
  • If the problem persists, use official forms and seek help from Virginia courts or housing resources.

Standing up for your privacy is your right—and can foster a healthier relationship with your landlord.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Title 55.1, Chapter 12
  2. VRLTA §55.1-1229 – Landlord and tenant obligations for access
  3. Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development – Landlord-Tenant Resources
  4. Tenant’s Assertion and Complaint (Form DC-429) – Virginia Courts
  5. Virginia General District Court

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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