A Virginia Beach lease agreement is a legal document governing the relationship between a tenant and a landlord for the use of a specific property. It includes essential details, such as the lease’s start and end dates, security deposit amount, monthly rent amount, guidelines for returning the security deposit, and both parties’ responsibilities.
Virginia Beach Lease Requirements
Virginia Beach landlords mainly abide by Virginia’s state landlord-tenant laws, which belong to Title 55.1, Chapter 12 of the Code of Virginia. However, city residents and landlords should be aware of the following unique considerations for Virginia Beach:
Landlord Engagement and Partnership Program
Virginia Beach introduced its Landlord Engagement and Partnership (LEAP) program in 2023 to help low-income families access affordable housing. Participating in this program can allow landlords to access the following benefits:
- A built-in market of ready-to-move-in tenants
- Retained management of units
- Vouchers guaranteeing 70 to 100 percent of rent payments
- Up to two months’ rent for security deposits
- Opportunities for positive social impact
- Tax incentives (in some instances)
Noise Ordinance
Virginia Beach bans the creation of a sound that can be heard from another person’s dwelling between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (Virginia Beach Municipal Code Sec. 23-69). Please note that some exceptions exist, including noises from the following:
- Political or religious gatherings
- City-approved events or school activities
- Construction, repairs, maintenance, or demolition
- Agricultural activities or lawn maintenance
Optional Lease Disclosures and Addendums
Consider some optional lease disclosures and addendums landlords can include to improve the quality of living for tenants:
- Pest control disclosure: Virginia Beach harbors unwanted pests, including termites, cockroaches, and rats. A pest control disclosure informs tenants of how to mitigate pest infestations and tells them to warn the landlords of any disturbances when they learn of them.
- Parking rules addendum: Since Virginia Beach is a car-centric city, including an addendum explaining the property’s parking policy can be beneficial. Describe banned uses of the parking spots and whether spots are assigned.
