Being a Landlord in Virginia: What You Need to Know

If you are thinking about becoming a landlord in Virginia, or if you already are one, you might have many questions and concerns about how to manage your rental property successfully. 

Being a landlord can be a rewarding and profitable venture, but it also comes with many responsibilities and challenges. You need to know the laws and regulations that apply to landlords in Virginia, as well as the best practices for maintaining your property and building a good relationship with your tenants.

In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on being a landlord in Virginia, covering the following topics:

• Laws and Regulations: What are the main legal obligations and rights of landlords in Virginia? How can you comply with fair housing laws, handle security deposits, create leases, collect rent, and evict tenants legally and safely?
• Maintenance and Repairs: Why is it important to maintain your property and respond to repair requests promptly? What are the responsibilities of landlords and tenants regarding maintenance and repairs? How can you prevent and handle common maintenance issues, such as plumbing, heating, pests, etc.?
• Communication and Relationship: How can you establish a good communication and relationship with your tenants? What are the best ways to communicate effectively, respectfully, and professionally with your tenants? How can you resolve disputes and complaints amicably and constructively?

By the end of this blog post, you will have a better understanding of what it takes to be a successful landlord in Virginia.

Laws and Regulations

  One of the most important aspects of being a landlord and investing in Virginia is to know and following the laws and regulations that govern the landlord-tenant relationship. Virginia is rather strict on these laws and regulations and it might to some lack of incentive to be a landlord in Virginia. 

But the same laws and regulations protect both landlords and tenants and give you an edge when dealing with issues. These rules also guarantee a pleasant homeownership experience in Virginia.

It is also beneficial in terms of finances, as Virginia has the 19th largest rental prices among the states, making it a good investment option.

Some of the main laws and regulations that you as a landlord in Virginia should be aware of are:

Fair Housing Laws

These laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, elderliness, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status in any aspect of housing.

Landlords must treat all applicants and tenants equally and fairly, without regard to these protected characteristics. Landlords must also make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities and allow tenants to make reasonable modifications to their units at their own expense.

For more information on fair housing laws in Virginia, visit https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/FairHousing/.

Security Deposits

These are funds that landlords collect from tenants at the beginning of the tenancy to cover any potential damages or unpaid rent at the end of the tenancy. The laws allow landlords to charge up to two months’ rent as a security deposit in Virginia.

But, they must return the security deposit within 45 days after the end of the tenancy, minus any deductions for damages or unpaid rent. Landlords must provide an itemized list of deductions along with the remaining balance of the security deposit.

If landlords fail to return the security deposit or provide an itemized list within 45 days, they may have to withhold the security deposit or face legal action. For more information on security deposits in Virginia, visit https://www.valegalaid.org/resource/security-deposits-3.

Leases

These are agreements between landlords and tenants that outline the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement. Leases can be for a fixed term (such as one year) or month-to-month.

They should include information such as the names of the parties, the address of the property, the amount and due date of rent, the duration of the tenancy, the rules and regulations of the property, the responsibilities of landlords and tenants regarding maintenance and repairs, etc. 

Leases should also comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Landlords should provide tenants with a copy of the lease before they move in. For more information on leases in Virginia, visit https://www.valegalaid.org/resource/leases.

Rent

This is the amount of money that tenants pay to landlords for staying in their property. Rent is usually due on the first day of each month unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties. 

Landlords can charge any amount of rent as long as it is reasonable and agreed upon by both parties. Landlords can also increase rent at any time during a month-to-month tenancy by giving 30 days’ notice to tenants.

However, landlords cannot increase rent during a fixed-term tenancy unless there is a clause in the lease that allows it. So it really depends on what you agreed upon, but generally, there are some measures to protect both the landlord and tenant.

Maintenance and Repairs

As a landlord in Virginia, one of your most essential duties is to maintain your rental property in good and habitable condition. This means ensuring that your property meets the minimum standards of health, safety, and sanitation as required by the USBC, VRLTA, and any other applicable codes or ordinances.

It also entails repairing any defects or damages that may affect the structural integrity or functionality of your property, such as leaks, cracks, mold, faulty wiring, broken appliances, and so on.

What are you responsible for

You are responsible for maintaining and repairing various items in your rental property, including:

• The roof and foundation
• Walls, floors, and ceilings
• Doors, Windows, locks, stairs, railings, porches, decks
• Plumbing system, heating system, electrical system, and
• Appliances provided as part of the rental agreement

What you are not responsible for

Life in Virginia is colorful and everchanging, and there might be many challenges or problems that come up every once in a while. That’s why as a landlord in Virginia, you should also know what is not your responsibility.

You are not responsible for maintaining or repairing items that are damaged by the tenant’s negligence or misuse, such as clogged drains, broken windows, or stained carpets.

You can charge the tenant for the cost of such repairs or deduct it from their security deposit, provided you follow the proper procedures and documentation required by the VRLTA.

Maintaining your property and responding to repair requests promptly are crucial. Doing so ensures that your property remains in good condition and retains its value, while also showing that you care about your tenants’ comfort and well-being.

It also helps you avoid potential legal issues or disputes that may arise from violating the warranty of habitability or breaching the rental agreement.

How to prevent problems

To prevent and handle common maintenance issues as a landlord in Virginia, consider the following tips:

• Conduct regular inspections of your property, at least once every six months, to check for any signs of damage or deterioration. Fix any minor issues before they become major problems, and keep a record of all inspections and repairs done on your property.
• Respond to your tenants’ repair requests within a reasonable timeframe, usually within 24 hours for emergency repairs or within 14 days for non-emergency repairs. Communicate with your tenants about the status and progress of the repairs, and hire licensed and qualified professionals to perform the repairs. Keep receipts and invoices of all repairs done on your property.
• Educate your tenants on how to use and maintain the appliances and systems in your property. Provide them with manuals or instructions if available. Advise them on what to do in case of an emergency or malfunction, and inform them of their responsibilities regarding maintenance and repairs, such as changing filters, cleaning gutters, reporting problems, and so on.
• Have a clear and consistent policy that is outlined in your rental agreement. This will ensure that both you and your tenants understand who is responsible for what and what the expectations are regarding maintenance and repair issues.
• Bonus if you include information about how repair requests should be made. Provide your tenants with a designated phone number or email address where they can submit repair requests. You may also want to provide them with a form to fill out or instructions on how to make the request in writing.

Communication and Relationship

One of the most important aspects of being a landlord is communication and relationship with your tenants. Good communication and relationship can make your life easier, reduce conflicts, and increase tenant satisfaction and retention. Here are some tips on how to communicate effectively, respectfully, and professionally with your tenants:

Be clear and consistent

When you communicate with your tenants, whether it is through email, phone, or in person, make sure you are clear and consistent about your expectations, policies, and procedures.

For example, if you have a late fee policy for rent payments, make sure you inform your tenants in advance and apply it consistently to avoid confusion and resentment.

Be responsive and respectful

When your tenants contact you with a question, request, or complaint, respond as soon as possible and address their concerns respectfully. Even if you cannot solve their problem immediately, acknowledge their message and let them know you are working on it.

This shows that you care about their needs and value their feedback.

Be proactive and positive

Don’t wait for your tenants to contact you with a problem. Instead, reach out to them regularly and check in on how they are doing. You can also send them updates, or reminders about events related to the property and the community around it.

It shows you want the absolute best of your tenant. You can also use these opportunities to share some positive news or compliments to boost their morale and loyalty.

Be flexible and fair

Sometimes, disputes or complaints may arise between you and your tenants or among your tenants. In these situations, try to be flexible and fair in resolving the issues. Listen to both sides of the story and try to find a solution that works for everyone. Avoid taking sides or making assumptions.

If necessary, use a third-party mediator or arbitrator to help you reach an agreement. This shows that you are willing to work with your tenants and respect their rights.

Conclusion

Being a landlord in Virginia can be a rewarding and profitable venture if you know how to manage your property and your tenants effectively. We have covered a lot of ground today and we hope that it has been helpful to you.