Does Virginia have rent control or rent stabilization?

No, Virginia does not have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords are permitted to set rents according to market rates, with some notice required.

What does vacancy decontrol mean for Virginia renters?

Vacancy decontrol refers to how rent-controlled units may return to market rates when a tenant leaves. This policy does not apply in Virginia because there is no rent control.

How much notice is required for a rent increase in Virginia?

Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before raising rent for month-to-month leases. Check your lease for specific terms if you have a fixed-term agreement.

Can my landlord raise the rent during my current lease in Virginia?

Generally, no. Rent increases can only occur if your lease allows it or at renewal for a new term. Always refer to your lease agreement for terms.

What should I do if I believe a rent increase is retaliatory or discriminatory?

Write down your concerns and contact legal aid or the General District Court for guidance. Keep copies of all communications with your landlord.

Understanding Vacancy Decontrol in Virginia Rental Housing

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Virginia published June 21, 2025

If you rent an apartment or home in Virginia, you might wonder what happens to the rent when a tenant moves out. Across the country, some cities and states have rent control or rent stabilization laws that include “vacancy decontrol” provisions. This article explains if and how vacancy decontrol applies in Virginia, what it means for renters, and your rights regarding rent increases and lease renewals under state law.

What Is Vacancy Decontrol?

Vacancy decontrol is a policy, found in some states with rent control, that allows landlords to raise the rent to market rate when a tenant moves out of a rent-controlled or rent-stabilized unit. Under such laws, rent increases are tightly regulated during the tenancy, but upon vacancy, the unit can return to market pricing until a new tenant moves in.

It's important to recognize that vacancy decontrol affects how rents are set between tenants, not during a lease.

Rent Control and Vacancy Decontrol in Virginia

Virginia does not have statewide rent control or rent stabilization laws. That means there are no rent-controlled units, so vacancy decontrol rules do not apply. Landlords in Virginia generally have the right to set rents at whatever price the market allows, whether a new tenant is moving in or during lease renewal, provided they follow any notice requirements and do not discriminate. Cities and counties in Virginia are also not permitted to establish local rent control ordinances.

No rent cap between tenants: Landlords can raise rent to any amount when a new renter moves in.
Notice required for rent increases: For month-to-month leases, landlords must provide at least 30 days written notice before any rent increase (Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act § 55.1-1250).
Rents cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease except if specified in the lease agreement.

If you have questions about rent increases, lease renewals, or termination of tenancy, always review your lease and the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) to understand your rights.

Your Rights When Facing a Rent Increase

Even though Virginia doesn't have rent control or vacancy decontrol laws, you are still protected by notice and fair housing rules. Here's what to expect:

Written notice: For periodic tenancies (month-to-month), landlords must give at least 30 days written notice before a rent increase takes effect (VRLTA § 55.1-1250).
No retaliation: Landlords cannot raise rent in retaliation if a tenant has filed a complaint about conditions or for exercising legal rights.
Fair housing protections: Landlords may not raise rent for discriminatory reasons (based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, elderliness, familial status, or disability).

If you receive a sudden or large rent increase, review your lease and consult official resources or legal aid if you believe it's unlawful or retaliatory.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

While Virginia law does not require landlords to use a statewide form to notify renters of a rent increase, you may receive a written notice or letter. If you wish to respond or contest a rent increase, you can use the following forms:

Tenant’s Notice to Landlord (No Official Statewide Number):
This is a written letter or notice—no official form is mandated. Send this when you want to respond to a rent increase, dispute the amount, or give your own notice to terminate the lease. Include your name, address, the date, your response, and your signature.
Template resources are available on the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development website.
Complaint to the General District Court: Civil Complaint (Form DC-421) can be used if you believe your landlord has violated tenancy laws (for example, by raising rent in a retaliatory or discriminatory manner). File with your local General District Court.
Example: If you received an unlawful rent increase right after reporting unsafe conditions, you could use this form to initiate a claim.

Who Handles Tenant-Landlord Disputes?

In Virginia, the General District Court handles residential tenancy disputes, including those about evictions or improper rent increases. There is no specialized rent board or tribunal since there is no rent control law.

Summary: Vacancy Decontrol and Rent Increases in Virginia

Since Virginia does not have rent-controlled units or applicable vacancy decontrol rules, landlords can set new rents at market value between tenants. Rent increases during a lease are limited by your agreement, and for month-to-month renters, 30 days' notice is required. If you have concerns about the reason or legality of a rent increase, there are resources for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Virginia have rent control or rent stabilization?
Virginia does not have rent control or stabilization. Landlords can set rental prices as they choose when tenants change, but must provide notice for increases.
What is vacancy decontrol?
Vacancy decontrol is when rents in a controlled unit can go up to market rate after a tenant leaves. This does not apply in Virginia since it lacks rent control laws.
How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase?
For month-to-month leases, at least 30 days’ written notice is required. For fixed-term leases, refer to your lease agreement.
Can my landlord raise the rent during my lease?
No, unless your lease agreement specifically allows it. Otherwise, increases can generally only occur at renewal or for month-to-month tenancies with proper notice.
What should I do if I believe a rent increase is unlawful or retaliatory?
Document your concerns in writing and consider contacting legal aid or filing a complaint with the General District Court if needed.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Virginia Renters

Virginia does not have rent control or vacancy decontrol; rents are set by market and lease agreements.
Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice for rent increases on month-to-month leases.
If you suspect retaliation or discrimination, document it and review your options with legal or housing resources.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development - Landlord-Tenant Resources (VRLTA information, templates, guides)
Virginia General District Court (file complaints, eviction hearings, rent disputes)
Virginia Legal Aid Directory
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development – Virginia Resources