When it comes to Virginia lease agreements, it’s essential for landlords to create a contract that is not only comprehensive but also adheres to the unique legal landscape of the state. TurboTenant’s Lease Agreement Generator and Templates simplify the process, offering a robust platform for landlords to generate leases that meet Virginia’s specific legal requirements while ensuring the terms are clear and actionable for tenants.
Section 1 – Custom to You
Each lease agreement in Virginia begins with a section dedicated to the personalization of the contract. Here, you’ll input details specific to your rental situation, such as identifying information for all parties involved, rent amounts, utility responsibilities, and other pertinent details. TurboTenant facilitates this process, ensuring that these critical details are presented in an easy-to-understand summary table at the forefront of the lease agreement.
Important Customizable Elements
- Additional Provisions: This area allows landlords to add property-specific rules or local clauses, ensuring each lease is tailored to their unique needs.
- Lost Key Policy (Section 1): Outlines the tenant’s responsibility for returning all keys and the consequences of failure to do so, including the cost of rekeying the property.
Section 2 – Specific to Virginia
This section includes clauses specific to Virginia law, ensuring compliance with local regulations. To maintain legal integrity, these details are editable by our Advanced Editor feature, but we strongly advise you to consult with an attorney to make sure your changes are compliant with state and/or local laws.
Key Virginia Regulations
- Late Fees (Section 2.1): Landlords can charge a late fee of 10% of the unpaid rent amount if full payment is not received by 5:00 pm on the 5th day of the month.
- Occupancy Limits and Guests (Section 2.5): Defines who may occupy the premises and the allowance for guest stays—up to 15 days every six months.
- Notification of Repairs (Section 2.7): Tenants are responsible for repairs due to misuse or negligence and must immediately notify landlords of serious property issues.
- Notifying of Absences (Section 2.9): Tenants must inform the landlord of absences exceeding seven days, allowing for property checks during these periods.
- Fair Housing (Section 2.10): Compliance with the federal Fair Housing Act is required, with Virginia adding protections for tenants 55 years and older.
- Changing Locks (Section 2.12): Tenants must request in writing if they wish to change locks, with costs covered by them but installations performed by the landlord.
- Required Disclosures: Virginia-specific disclosures are integrated into the agreement, covering areas such as tenants’ rights, military air installations, defective drywall, methamphetamine contamination, shared utilities, and mold.
Section 3 – General Clauses for Best Practices
These clauses are standard across most lease agreements and focus on best practices for landlord-tenant relations.
General Best Practices
- Subletting (Section 3.1): Prohibits tenants from subleasing without the landlord’s written consent.
- Altering or Improving the Property (Section 3.2): Requires written consent from the landlord for any property modifications.
- Follow the Law (Section 3.14): Tenants must adhere to all laws and ordinances and avoid being a nuisance to neighbors.
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FAQ
How is the security deposit handled in Virginia?
Virginia law allows a maximum security deposit of two times the monthly rent. The deposit must be returned within 45 days after lease termination, with a single check payable to all tenants provided they offer a forwarding address along with any itemized statement showing any lawful deductions
What are the rules for late fees in Virginia?
Landlords may charge a late fee of 10% of the unpaid balance if rent is not fully paid by 5:00 pm on the 5th of the month.
Are there any special laws regarding rent payments?
Yes, in Virginia, the maximum late fee a landlord can charge is 10% of an unpaid balance. Additionally, prepaid rent must be deposited in an interest-bearing account.
What disclosures are required in Virginia lease agreements?
Several disclosures are required, including tenant’s rights and responsibilities, military air installation areas, defective drywall, methamphetamine contamination, shared utility arrangements, and mold.
How does Virginia law address evictions and tenant absences?
The law varies depending on the number of units owned by the landlord. Tenants must notify the landlord of absences from the property exceeding seven days, and the landlord has the right to check the property during this time.
TurboTenant Virginia Lease Agreements
TurboTenant’s Lease Agreement Generator and Templates ensure that Virginia landlords can craft comprehensive, legally compliant lease agreements with ease. The platform’s guidance on state-specific regulations and best practice provisions ensures that the leasing process is smooth and legally sound for both landlords and tenants. When drafting unique lease terms, landlords should consider legal counsel to ensure that these additions comply