State law · statute quotes
Virginia security deposit laws for landlords and property managers
The words of Virginia's security deposit statute on each topic, quoted verbatim with pinpoint citations and links to the official source. No summaries, no interpretation.
Reviewed by Mark Shvaya, licensed California real estate broker (DRE #02243502), who uses ProFlow360 in a rental portfolio Mark manages
Last reviewed
Quoted on this page
- Deposit limit
- Returning the deposit
- Itemized statement
- Inspections and condition reports
- Photographs
- Normal wear and tear
- Interest
- Wrongful withholding
Va. Code § 55.1-1226 · Va. Code § 55.1-1214
On this page
What this page covers
Virginia's residential security deposit provisions quoted here come from Va. Code § 55.1-1226, Va. Code § 55.1-1214. Below are the statute's own words on 6 topics, each with a pinpoint citation and a link to the official text. This page does not summarize or interpret the law.
What does Virginia law say about move-in or move-out inspections?
The landlord shall, within five days after occupancy of a dwelling unit, submit a written report to the tenant itemizing damages to the dwelling unit existing at the time of occupancy, and the report shall be deemed correct unless the tenant objects to it in writing within five days after receipt of the report. ... the landlord shall provide written notice to the tenant of the tenant's right to be present at the landlord's inspection of the dwelling unit
What does Virginia law say about the amount of a security deposit?
No landlord may demand or receive a security deposit, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of two months' periodic rent.
What does Virginia law say about returning the deposit?
The security deposit and any deductions, damages, and charges shall be itemized by the landlord in a written notice given to the tenant, together with any amount due to the tenant, within 45 days after the termination date of the tenancy or the date the tenant vacates the dwelling unit, whichever occurs last.
What does Virginia law say about an itemized statement of deductions?
The security deposit and any deductions, damages, and charges shall be itemized by the landlord in a written notice given to the tenant ... Following the move-out inspection, the landlord shall provide the tenant with a written security deposit disposition statement, including an itemized list of damages.
How does Virginia law refer to normal wear and tear?
the payment of the amount of damages that the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with § 55.1-1227, less reasonable wear and tear
What does Virginia law say about wrongful withholding?
If the landlord willfully fails to comply with this section, the court shall order the return of the security deposit to the tenant, together with actual damages and reasonable attorney fees, unless the tenant owes rent to the landlord, in which case the court shall order an amount equal to the security deposit credited against the rent due to the landlord.
Not quoted on this page
photographs, interest. That does not mean Virginia law is silent on them; other sections or local rules may apply. Read the full statute.
Has Virginia's security deposit law changed recently?
From our review of the official history notes: Official history for § 55.1-1226 ends with 2023, cc. 433, 434 (also 2021 Sp. Sess. I c. 427; 2020 cc. 384, 823, 998; 2019 c. 712). § 55.1-1214 last amended 2019, c. 712. No 2024–2026 amendments shown on the official pages.
How does ProFlow360 help you document a Virginia tenancy?
ProFlow360 records and organizes inspection evidence; it does not tell you what the statute requires or allows. What it records, for any state:
- Move-in, routine, pre-move-out and move-out inspections with photos timestamped at capture.
- Each move-out photo beside its move-in match, filed under the tenancy.
- Itemized lines with your classification, the amount you entered, and the estimate or invoice attached.
- An issued record that is sealed, shared by a link that expires and can be revoked.
Do this in ProFlow360
Keep the photos, the call and the invoice on the same line
Every deduction line carries the move-in and move-out photos, your classification and its documents, so the record can be followed by someone who was not there.
Kitchen · counter burn, left of range
Line 2 of 5 · TEN-0418
MI-21 · Jul 12, 2024
MO-29 · Sep 30, 2026Security deposit statutes in nearby states
Sources
- 1.Va. Code § 55.1-1226: Security deposits.
- 2.Va. Code § 55.1-1214: Inspection of dwelling unit; report.
Sources checked October 16, 2026.
Start documenting condition properly
Create an account and run your next inspection with the evidence trail already in place. No card required to start.