Virginia Tenant Harassment Laws
Virginia's VRLTA prohibits retaliatory conduct against tenants and self-help eviction under Va. Code Ann. §§ 55.1-1253[ not confirmed ] and 55.1-1243.
Key Rules
- Retaliation Prohibited
- Yes — retaliatory rent increases, evictions, and service reductions prohibited
- Self Help Prohibited
- Yes — court order required; unlawful exclusion results in damages
- Remedies
- Actual damages, termination of lease, attorney's fees available
- Penalty
- Tenant may recover actual damages plus reasonable attorney's fees for unlawful exclusion
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Retaliatory conduct prohibited: landlord may not retaliate against tenant for exercising rights under the VRLTA, reporting violations, or participating in tenant organizations.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Landlord's remedies and duties; self-help prohibited: landlord may not remove tenant or personal property without a court order. Unlawful exclusion entitles tenant to damages.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
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