Is rent control legal anywhere in Virginia?

No, Virginia law does not permit rent control for private residential housing.

How much notice must my landlord give before raising my rent?

Landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice for month-to-month tenancies.

Can I dispute my rent increase with an official board?

Although there is no rent control board, you may file a dispute in the General District Court if proper notice was not given or other laws were violated.

Where can I get a sample lease termination or maintenance request form?

Sample forms are available through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development website.

Understanding Rent Control Campaigns in Virginia

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Virginia published June 21, 2025

Virginia renters often face questions about rent increases and tenant protections, especially when housing costs rise. If you’re worried about changes in your rent or curious about efforts to limit rapid rent hikes, it's important to understand the history of rent control discussions in Virginia and the current rights you have as a renter.

What is Rent Control?

Rent control refers to government limits on how much a landlord can increase rent for residential properties. It aims to keep rents affordable and provide tenants with housing stability, especially in high-demand areas. Some states and cities across the USA have adopted rent control or rent stabilization regulations.

Rent Control’s History and Campaigns in Virginia

Virginia has seen periodic campaigns for rent control, particularly during periods of rapid rent increase or economic downturn. However, rent control laws have not been adopted at the state or local level in Virginia. In fact, current laws prevent cities and counties from enacting traditional rent control measures. Efforts over the years by renter advocates and local community groups have focused on tenant education, voluntary mediation, and pushing for other types of tenant protections instead.

Current Status of Rent Control in Virginia

Under Virginia’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), no statutory rent control exists for private rental housing. Virginia law expressly prohibits local governments from passing rent control laws.¹ Campaigns for rent control have brought awareness and, in some cases, led to voluntary agreements or local rental assistance programs, but statewide or municipal rent caps have not been implemented.

Your Rights as a Renter in Virginia

Although rent control is not in force, Virginia renters have important protections related to:

Notice requirements for rent increases
Minimum periods before rent can be raised
The right to ask for written reasons for rent increases
Protections against retaliation for asserting your rights

Notice Requirements for Rent Increases

By law, if you rent month-to-month under the VRLTA, your landlord must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent.² For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased during the term unless your lease allows it.

How Renters Have Responded

Many Virginia renters have worked with local advocacy groups and government agencies to:

Negotiate with landlords through mediation services
Seek rental assistance in times of financial hardship
Request repairs or maintenance using official forms

If you experience challenges—like repeated or sharp rent increases—document all communications and ask your landlord for written explanations. While you can’t challenge the rent amount through rent control laws, you can enforce your rights to proper notice and safe, habitable housing.

Official Forms for Virginia Renters

Notice to End Lease (Form: Termination Notice)
- When to use: If you wish to end your tenancy after receiving a rent increase or for any other reason, you must provide written notice (often 30 days for month-to-month tenancies).
- How to use (example): Maria receives a notice that her rent will rise by $200. She decides to move and submits a 30-day written termination notice to her landlord.
- Where to find it: See sample templates on the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development website.
Request for Repairs (No official number; "Maintenance Request Form")
- When to use: If your rental unit needs repairs, you should notify your landlord in writing. If repairs are not made, you may have further rights under the VRLTA.
- How to use (example): When pipes leak after a rent increase, Samuel completes the maintenance request form and sends it to his landlord with all details and photos.
- Where to find it: Guidance and sample request letters are provided by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Keep copies of all submitted forms and notices for your records.

Where to Take Disputes: Official Tribunal

If you have a dispute over your tenancy, the official authority is the Virginia General District Court, which handles landlord-tenant matters including contested rent increases, eviction proceedings, and maintenance issues.³

Relevant Laws Protecting Renters

The main state law overseeing renter and landlord rights in Virginia is the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA). This outlines your protections around notice, health and safety, security deposits, and more.

If you receive a rent increase notice, check your lease’s renewal terms and the required notice period. Always ask for all communications in writing for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rent control legal anywhere in Virginia?
No, Virginia law prohibits local governments from enacting rent control for private residential housing.
How much notice must my landlord give before raising my rent?
Landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice for any rent increase in month-to-month tenancies.
Can I dispute my rent increase with an official board?
While there is no rent control board, you may file a dispute in your local General District Court if the notice period wasn’t followed or for other legal violations.
What rights do I have if I can’t pay the increased rent?
You may qualify for rental assistance or negotiate a repayment plan, but you must pay the full increased rent unless you move or make a new agreement with your landlord.
Where can I get a sample lease termination or maintenance request form?
Sample forms are available on the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development website.

Key Takeaways for Virginia Renters

Virginia does not have rent control laws, but you are protected by notice rules under the VRLTA.
Always get notices in writing and keep records of communications and forms.
If you face a rent increase you believe violates notice rules, contact the local General District Court or housing resources for help.

This information can help you make informed decisions and know where to turn for support when dealing with rent or tenancy issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development: Landlord-Tenant Resources — Forms, guides, and key info for renters
Virginia General District Court: Landlord-Tenant Cases — Where to file and resolve disputes
Official Request for Repairs Form (PDF) — Submit maintenance or repair requests
Virginia Rent Relief Program — Rental assistance if you’re struggling with payments

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1200 et seq.)
VRLTA Notice Requirements (§ 55.1-1204)
Virginia General District Court — Landlord-Tenant Cases