Virginia Housing Resources & Tenant Rights

Virginia’s rental rules come from the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA, Code of Virginia Title 55.1, Chapter 12). The standout protection is statewide: since July 1, 2020, “source of funds” — including Housing Choice Vouchers — is a protected class, so most landlords cannot refuse your voucher. There is no rent control (Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, so localities cannot create it). Deposits are capped and eviction runs through the General District Court, where tenants have a right of redemption. Virginia Housing (formerly VHDA) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) fund affordable housing. This page covers the statewide rules, the eviction timeline, and links to every Virginia city we cover.

Public Housing & Vouchers in Virginia

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are run by local authorities — the Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Fairfax County authorities, and many more. Virginia Housing also administers vouchers and finances affordable apartments statewide, and allocates Low-Income Housing Tax Credits — search HUD’s LIHTC database or read how to find LIHTC housing. Because Virginia protects source of funds (below), a landlord generally cannot refuse your voucher.

Apply to several authorities at once. Use HUD’s PHA directory or our how to find your PHA and how to apply for Section 8 guides. City waitlist status is on the city pages below.

Source of Funds Protection (Statewide)

Since July 1, 2020, source of funds has been a protected class under the Virginia Fair Housing Law (Code 36-96.1 to 36-96.3). A landlord cannot refuse you, set different terms, or advertise a preference because you would pay with a Housing Choice Voucher, SSI/SSDI, child support, veterans’ benefits, or other lawful assistance. If a landlord uses an income multiplier (for example, requiring income of 3x the rent), it may only be applied to your share of the rent, not the full amount the voucher covers. A narrow exemption applies to some owners of four or fewer Virginia rental units, but the advertising rules still apply to everyone. File a complaint with the Fair Housing Office at 1-888-551-3247 and read our source-of-income protections guide.

Rent Control in Virginia

There is no rent control in Virginia. As a Dillon Rule state, localities have only the powers the General Assembly grants them, and that authority has not been given — so no Virginia city or county can cap your rent. Your protection against an increase comes from your lease term and required notice.

Emergency Rental Assistance in Virginia

• Dial 211 to reach local emergency rental and prevention funds and your regional Coordinated Entry for shelter and rapid re-housing
• Local Departments of Social Services administer crisis help and the Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for heating and cooling — see utility assistance programs
• The statewide Virginia Rent Relief Program has ended; some courts run an eviction-diversion docket that can pause a case while you arrange payment — ask at your hearing
• The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and St. Vincent de Paul provide one-time help across the state

See our emergency rental assistance guide for the national picture.

Virginia Tenant Law: Key Protections at a Glance

Security deposits

Under Code 55.1-1226, a deposit cannot exceed two months’ rent. After you move out, the landlord must return the deposit with an itemized statement of any deductions within 45 days. Missing that deadline forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of it, and a willful violation can mean actual damages plus attorney’s fees. See how to recover your security deposit.

Eviction process, right of redemption & timeline

Self-help eviction is illegal; the landlord must go to court and only the sheriff can remove you. The sequence:

• 14-day pay-or-quit notice for nonpayment (or the proper notice for a lease violation)
• Unlawful detainer filed in the General District Court; you receive a return date
• First return date and trial — appear and raise defenses; you generally have a right of redemption, meaning paying all rent, late fees, and court costs (by the required deadline) can stop the eviction
• Writ of eviction: if the landlord wins and you do not pay or move, the sheriff gives at least 72 hours’ notice before carrying it out

An uncontested Virginia eviction commonly runs about three to six weeks from the notice. Appear at every court date and bring your lease, receipts, and photos. Call the Virginia Eviction Legal Helpline at 1-833-663-8428 and read how to avoid eviction.

Other Housing Programs in Virginia

• Public housing — government-owned affordable apartments run by local authorities; the waitlist is separate from Section 8
• HUD-VASH (veterans) — a voucher paired with VA case management; see how to apply for HUD-VASH
• Emergency Housing Vouchers & rapid re-housing — access through Coordinated Entry by calling 211
• Eviction prevention — our eviction prevention hub explains what to do before your court date

Major Virginia Cities We Cover

• Virginia Beach affordable housing resources

Where to Get Help in Virginia

Free legal aid: valegalaid.org connects you to your regional legal-aid society, and the Virginia Eviction Legal Helpline (1-833-663-8428) gives free advice.

Source-of-funds / discrimination: the Virginia Fair Housing Office (1-888-551-3247) enforces the statewide protection.

State housing agency: Virginia Housing for vouchers, LIHTC, and homebuyer help.

Find your local PHA: HUD’s PHA directory or our how to find your PHA guide.

211 helpline: dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org for rental help, shelters, and utility assistance.

HUD fair housing: file at hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination or call 1-800-669-9777.

Next Steps

Not sure where to start? Our Where to Start tool routes you to the right mix of Virginia programs in about two minutes.

If you have a 14-day notice, do not wait: call the Virginia Eviction Legal Helpline at 1-833-663-8428, ask about your right of redemption, and read eviction prevention.