Landlords! Are you ready for changes coming July 1, 2026, to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA)!

As is often the case, the Virginia General Assembly was very busy amending the VRLTA. Be sure you and your lease agreements are up to date. For example, among the changes (this is not an exhaustive list):

• Tenant Payment Methods: Landlords MUST now accept rent and security deposit payments by check and money order, MUST provide written receipts and MUST offer at least one fee-free payment option.
• Nonpayment Notice to Pay or Vacate:  When serving a Notice to pay, the five (5) day period is no FOURTEEN (14) DAYS before a landlord may terminate a lease and pursue possession. This will extend the entire process.
• FUTURE Rent Increases. Beginning July 1, 2027, certain landlords must provide at least 90 days’ written notice of rent increases and establish renewal timelines that allow tenants sufficient time to respond.

The new 14-day period is probably the biggest change. Briefly, the Notice a Landlord must send to a Tenant who fails to pay rent on time must provide not less than 14 days to pay – up 9 days from the traditional 5-day period. Changes such as these demand that Landlords stay on top of their practices, procedural and forms. Outdated/incorrect practices, procedures and forms WILL result in procedural defects when advancing an eviction (unlawful detainer) action. Delay in serving the Notice for non-payment of rent delays resolution.