2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- CHAPTER
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 55.1-1204 and 55.1-1208 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; rental payment methods; prohibited fees.
[H 1005]
Approved
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§ 55.1-1204 and 55.1-1208 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 55.1-1204 . Terms and conditions of rental agreement; payment of rent; copy of rental agreement for tenant.
A. A landlord and tenant may include in a rental agreement terms and conditions not prohibited by this chapter or other rule of law, including rent, charges for late payment of rent, the term of the agreement, automatic renewal of the rental agreement, requirements for notice of intent to vacate or terminate the rental agreement, and other provisions governing the rights and obligations of the parties.
B. A landlord shall offer a prospective tenant a written rental agreement containing the terms governing the rental of the dwelling unit and setting forth the terms and conditions of the landlord-tenant relationship and shall provide with it the statement of tenant rights and responsibilities developed by the Department of Housing and Community Development and posted on its website pursuant to § 36-139 . The parties to a written rental agreement shall sign the form developed by the Department of Housing and Community Development and posted on its website pursuant to § 36-139 acknowledging that the tenant has received from the landlord the statement of tenant rights and responsibilities. The written rental agreement shall be effective upon the date signed by the parties.