Virginia Required Lease Disclosures for Renters

Understanding your rights as a renter in Virginia starts with what your landlord is required to tell you. Whether you’re signing a new lease, renewing, or just reviewing your current agreement, Virginia law ensures that certain important information must be disclosed to you. Knowing these required disclosures can help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure your rental is both legal and safe.

Key Required Disclosures in Virginia Residential Leases

Virginia has specific legal requirements for what a landlord must share with renters before or during the lease signing process. Here’s a summary of the most critical disclosures and what you should look for:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For housing built before 1978, landlords must give tenants a federally-approved lead hazard information pamphlet and disclose any known lead-based paint hazards. Learn more and download the EPA disclosure form here.
• Mold Disclosure: Landlords must inform renters (in writing) whether there is any visible evidence of mold inside the property, based on a visual inspection. If present, the landlord is required to remediate the mold and re-inspect before occupancy.
  Reference: Virginia Code § 55.1-1215
• Military Air Installation Disclosure: Properties near a military air installation must come with a written notice (in the lease or separate document) stating this proximity. This is especially important in some areas of Virginia.
  Reference: Virginia Code § 55.1-1217
• Defective Drywall Disclosure: If the landlord knows that defective drywall (often Chinese drywall from 2001-2009) is present, that information must be disclosed in writing before leasing.
  Reference: Virginia Code § 55.1-1218
• Foreclosure Notice: If the property is subject to a foreclosure, the landlord must notify the tenant in writing within five business days of receiving notice of foreclosure.
  Reference: Virginia Code § 55.1-1237
• Authorized Agent Disclosure: The lease must name the person or company authorized to manage the property and accept notices or legal papers.
  Reference: Virginia Code § 55.1-1216
• Identification of Owner: Landlords must provide tenants with the name and address of the property owner, or the owner’s agent, before tenancy begins.
  Reference: Virginia Code § 55.1-1216
• Move-in and Move-out Inspection Report: Landlords must offer the renter an opportunity to be present during move-in and move-out inspections and provide a written report.
  Reference: Virginia Code § 55.1-1214

While this list covers the main statewide disclosures, always review your lease carefully in case your area (like Fairfax County or Alexandria) has additional local requirements.

Official Disclosure Forms and How They’re Used

• EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (Form EPA 747-K-99-001):
  Required for all leases for properties built before 1978. Tenants should receive and sign this at or before lease signing.
  Access the official EPA disclosure form.
  Example: If you are renting an apartment constructed in 1970, your landlord must provide this form and brochure before you move in.
• Mold Disclosure (No specific numbered form):
  Virginia law requires a written disclosure, typically as a clause or addendum in your lease. Review your lease for a “Mold Disclosure” section or ask your landlord for a copy.
  Example: If it's a newer rental, your lease might simply state "no evidence of mold present." If mold is found, the landlord must confirm remediation before you move in.
• Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Report (No specific numbered form):
  Often provided as a rental inspection checklist the tenant can review and sign—with an option to note any damages found.
  See a sample move-in checklist from Virginia DHCD.
  Example: At move-in, your landlord should schedule an inspection and provide you a report to confirm the property’s condition.

Virginia does not have one universal residential lease disclosure form, but all required disclosures must be in writing and delivered to you before or during lease signing as described above.

What If Disclosures Are Missing or Incomplete?

If a landlord fails to provide required disclosures, you may have the right to:

• Withhold consent or delay lease signing until disclosures are provided
• Request official forms or written confirmation of information
• File a complaint with the local General District Court, which handles residential tenancy cases in Virginia

If you have already signed a lease and discover required disclosures were not provided, contact your landlord in writing and clearly request the missing information. For serious issues (like mold or lead paint), you may seek guidance from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) or your local General District Court.

Summary Table: Required Lease Disclosures in Virginia

• Lead-Based Paint: Required on all pre-1978 rentals (with form)
• Mold: Written statement required
• Military Installation: Written notice if applicable
• Defective Drywall: Disclosure if known
• Foreclosure: Prompt written notice after landlord is notified
• Authorized Agent & Owner: In lease or separate writing
• Inspection Report: Offered at move-in and move-out

For a full reference, view the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if my landlord never provides a lead paint disclosure?
   If your unit was built before 1978 and you were not given a lead-based paint disclosure, your landlord may face penalties and you may have legal remedies, including the right to void the lease or seek damages. Report concerns to the EPA or local housing authority.
2. Do Virginia landlords have to provide a move-in inspection report?
   Yes. Landlords must offer a move-in inspection, and you should receive a copy of the written report. This protects both you and the landlord from disputes about property condition later.
3. Is a mold disclosure always required in Virginia?
   Yes, a written statement about visible mold must be provided for every rental property, regardless of the building’s age.
4. How do I know if my lease disclosures are complete?
   Double-check your lease agreement for sections covering lead paint (if applicable), mold, authorized agent, and landlord information. If in doubt, request confirmation or a copy in writing.
5. Which agency handles residential tenancy disputes in Virginia?
   Most rental disputes in Virginia are handled by the General District Court's Housing Division in your area.

Conclusion: What Virginia Renters Should Remember

• Virginia law requires specific written disclosures for lead paint, mold, and more
• Always keep copies of lease forms and disclosures
• If disclosures are missing, act quickly by contacting your landlord or seeking help from state agencies or court

Being informed about what your landlord must disclose helps you protect your home and rights throughout your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) – Landlord-Tenant Resources
• General District Court Housing Division – Handles rental disputes and enforcement
• Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Current Law Text
• EPA Lead Disclosure and Reporting

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1. Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Department of Housing and Community Development official forms & guidance
3. EPA Real Estate Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Information
4. Virginia General District Court Housing Division

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