All state lease agreements will have similar information mandated by Federal law. For example, all Lease/Rental Agreements should include the following:
- The names and identifying details of the tenant and landlord,
- The premises address,
- Pet allowances and prohibitions,
- Lead-based hazard, mold, and other health and safety disclosures,
- Rent and security deposit details
States will certainly differ on some rental and leasing requirements.
Some states may impose stricter health and safety regulations, while others may provide for lenient landlord right of entry laws. Familiarizing yourself with Virginia’s specific laws will help protect your financial and legal rights and allow for a comprehensive Lease/Rental Agreement.
1. Virginia Residential Lease Agreement Sample
The sample lease agreement below describes a contract between “Landlord” Wendy Thomas and “Tenant” Sally Robinson. She agrees to rent a house in Richmond for $7,000 per month for a fixed term. The tenant agrees to pay for all utilities and services for the Premises.
This is a good example of what provisions a simple lease agreement might contain, and how one should look in its final form.
2. Virginia Landlord and Tenant Laws
Virginia imposes specific and distinct requirements for landlords and tenants when executing a Lease/Rental Agreement. For example, statutes (found in the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, updated in 2018) provide for the following:
Security Deposit:
- The maximum amount of security deposit that a landlord may require from a tenant is two (2) months.
- The security deposit must be returned to the tenant within forty-five (45) days following termination of the lease.
Landlord Right of Entry:
- A landlord must give twenty-four (24) hour notice to the tenant before entering the property.
Additionally, Virginia law requires:
Further Contact Details:
- A landlord must disclose the name and address of the person or agent in charge of managing the property, and the name and address of the person or agent to receive demands and notices on the landlord’s behalf.