A Virginia rental application form is essential for landlords seeking to rent their property. Our comprehensive template allows you to screen tenants effectively. Before proceeding, acquaint yourself with Virginia landlord and tenant law using the information below.
State Laws
Below you can find important information for tenants under the Virginia Landlord and Tenant Act, covering deposits and fees and exceptions for landlords. Additionally, landlords can access the State Sex Offender Registry to be aware of any registered sex offenders applying as tenants.
For Tenants
Under the Virginia Landlord and Tenant Act, renters and applicants need to know the following information regarding deposits and fees [1] :
- Application Fee: As per § 55.1-1203, property owners in Virginia can ask for an application fee. The fee cannot exceed $50, excluding any out-of-pocket expenses paid by the landlord to a third party for background or credit checks on the applicant. If the property is public housing or other housing regulated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the fee cannot be more than $32.
- Additional Application Deposit: A property owner can request a refundable application deposit and a non-refundable application fee. This deposit must be returned to the applicant within 10 to 20 days if the rental application is rejected or the applicant fails to rent the unit.
- Security and Pet Deposit: If a rental application is approved, the property owner can request a security deposit. It cannot be greater than two months’ rent. There are no laws governing pet deposits in Virginia.
For Landlords
Landlords and property owners should be aware of some exceptions to the rules above.
They include:
- Age: Landlords can ask about the applicant’s age if they own property in an age-specific community [2] .
- Family Status: Landlords can ask about children if the landlord will be living in any dwelling units they are renting out.
- Religious Status: As per 42 US Code § 3607, if a religious group owns and regulates the property, they can ask about the applicant’s religious beliefs.
Other Resources for Landlords
- State Sex Offender Registry – In Virginia, landlords can access the State Sex Offender Registry to be aware of any registered sex offenders applying as tenants.
Sample
Download our Virginia rental application sample, and use it to screen applicants for your rental property effectively.
