Virginia Lease Renewal: Rights, Deadlines, and What to Know

For Virginia renters, understanding how to renew your lease can help you secure your housing and avoid misunderstandings with your landlord. Virginia law outlines clear rights, deadlines, and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords when it comes to renewing residential leases. This guide covers what you need to know about lease renewal in Virginia, from notice periods to handling changes in lease terms.

How Lease Renewals Work in Virginia

Your lease renewal is the process of extending your current rental agreement for another term—often 12 months, but sometimes month-to-month. Virginia law protects renter rights and provides guidelines for notice periods and changes to the terms of your lease.

Types of Rental Agreements and Renewals

• Fixed-term leases: Usually last for a set period (e.g., one year). When the term ends, you or your landlord can agree to renew, renegotiate, or allow the lease to convert to a month-to-month agreement.
• Month-to-month leases: Continue ~automatically unless one party gives proper written notice to end or modify the terms.

If you want to stay after your lease ends, it's important to start discussions early with your landlord about renewal options.

Notice Requirements for Lease Renewal or Termination

Virginia's Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) sets the rules for notices:

• Landlord must give at least 30 days’ written notice if they do not intend to renew a fixed-term lease or wish to change terms (including rent increases).
• Tenants must also give at least 30 days’ notice if they do not plan to renew or want to terminate a month-to-month tenancy.

This means you should expect to receive (or give) written notice about renewal or nonrenewal at least 30 days before your lease term expires. Check your lease for any specific notice provision, as some leases may require a longer period.

What Happens If No One Gives Notice?

If neither party provides a nonrenewal notice, most Virginia residential leases automatically convert to month-to-month agreements with the same basic terms and conditions. This also means the notice to terminate in the future becomes 30 days for both parties.^[1]

Rent Increases or Lease Changes

• Your landlord must notify you in writing at least 30 days before the lease term ends if they plan to raise the rent or change important terms.
• Any such changes—if you keep living in the property—become effective once the fixed-term lease rolls into month-to-month unless you object or give notice.

Official Forms for Lease Nonrenewal or Termination

• Notice of Non-Renewal of Lease (No official form number):
  - When to use: If you or your landlord wish to end a lease at expiration, a written notice is required. Tenants might use a sample notice format; no state-mandated form exists, but examples are available from state courts.
  - Example: If your lease ends June 30, you should deliver written notice to your landlord by May 31 if you do not want to renew.
  - Sample Notice of Intent to Vacate (PDF) from Virginia Courts.
• Rental Application / New Lease (Form not required unless starting a new agreement):
  - When to use: If you're signing a completely new lease rather than renewing, you and your landlord may use a Virginia Residential Lease Agreement.
  - Virginia Residential Lease Agreement (DHCD)

While not strictly required for renewal, keeping records of any notices provided is strongly advised.

Virginia’s Tenancy Tribunal and Where to Get Help

Disputes over renewal, rent increases, or other rental issues may be resolved in the Virginia General District Court, which handles landlord-tenant disputes statewide.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers renter resources and official forms.

Tips for a Smooth Lease Renewal

• Start the conversation early with your landlord—ideally 45-60 days before the lease expires.
• Get all changes to your lease in writing, including rent, rules, or term length.
• Keep copies of all notices and communications related to your renewal or nonrenewal intentions.
• Ask questions about any new lease terms you don’t understand before signing.

FAQ: Virginia Lease Renewals and Renter Rights

1. How much notice does my landlord have to give before not renewing my lease?
   In Virginia, landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice if they do not plan to renew your fixed-term lease or intend to change key terms or rent.^[1]
2. Can my landlord raise the rent when my lease renews?
   Yes. If you have a new lease or your lease switches to month-to-month, your landlord must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect.^[1]
3. What if neither landlord nor tenant gives notice at lease end?
   If no notice is given, your lease typically converts to a month-to-month arrangement under the same terms, and either party can terminate with 30 days’ written notice.^[1]
4. Do I need to sign a new lease every year?
   No. Some agreements automatically renew or continue on a month-to-month basis unless one party gives proper notice. Ask your landlord or check your lease for specific rules.
5. If my landlord changes the lease terms, do I have to accept?
   No, but if you do not agree, you should give written notice that you are not renewing and plan to move out at the end of your term.

Key Takeaways for Virginia Renters

• Both tenants and landlords must provide written notice at least 30 days before ending or changing a lease.
• Rent increases or lease changes require notice and do not take effect until the new term starts.
• Your lease may roll into month-to-month if neither party gives notice.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Virginia General District Court – Handles residential tenancy disputes.
• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development – Landlord-Tenant Resources
• Read the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for all legal details on leases and renewals.
• Sample Notice of Intent to Vacate (PDF)

---

1. Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, especially § 55.1-1253, § 55.1-1204
2. Virginia General District Court – Landlord-Tenant Cases
3. Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development: Landlord-Tenant Resources

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations