Lease Template Updated July 25, 2024
A residential lease agreement in Virginia is a vital legal document that clearly defines rental terms, payment details, property rules, and the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. It protects the landlord's interests while ensuring compliance with Virginia laws.
Our form includes:
Parties Identification
Lease Term
Rent Payment Terms
Security Deposit
Maintenance Responsibilities
State-Specific Disclosures
State-Specific Notices
These disclosures and addenda ensure compliance with state laws and protect both landlords and tenants.
Disclosure |
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Landlord's Name and Address
<p>Landlords must disclose in writing the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and the owner or an authorized agent for service of process and receiving notices. This information should be provided at or before the commencement of the tenancy.</p>
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Landlord's Name and Address
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Landlords must disclose in writing the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and the owner or an authorized agent for service of process and receiving notices. This information should be provided at or before the commencement of the tenancy. |
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Lead Paint - Know Presence
<p>Applies to units built before 1978 where the presence of lead paint has been confirmed.</p>
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Lead Paint - Know Presence
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Applies to units built before 1978 where the presence of lead paint has been confirmed. |
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Lead Paint - No Know Presence
<p>Applies to units where no evidence of lead paint is present or units built after 1978.</p>
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Lead Paint - No Know Presence
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Applies to units where no evidence of lead paint is present or units built after 1978. |
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Condition of the Premises
<p>Within five days of occupancy, landlords and tenants must jointly prepare a written report detailing the condition of the premises, including any existing damages. This report should be signed by both parties and serves as a record for the property's state at move-in.</p>
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Condition of the Premises
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Within five days of occupancy, landlords and tenants must jointly prepare a written report detailing the condition of the premises, including any existing damages. This report should be signed by both parties and serves as a record for the property's state at move-in. |
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Late/Returned Fees
<p>Virginia law does not set a statutory maximum for late fees; instead, the enforceability of any late fee is determined by its reasonableness and its clear articulation in the lease agreement. While there is no legal requirement for a grace period, many leases include a five-day grace period as a matter of common practice. Courts typically enforce late fee provisions if they reflect a rational relationship to the actual costs or damages incurred—often around 10% of the unpaid rent, though this figure is more a customary benchmark than a fixed rule.</p>
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Late/Returned Fees
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Virginia law does not set a statutory maximum for late fees; instead, the enforceability of any late fee is determined by its reasonableness and its clear articulation in the lease agreement. While there is no legal requirement for a grace period, many leases include a five-day grace period as a matter of common practice. Courts typically enforce late fee provisions if they reflect a rational relationship to the actual costs or damages incurred—often around 10% of the unpaid rent, though this figure is more a customary benchmark than a fixed rule. |
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Mold Disclosure
<p>Virginia law (§ 55.1-1215) requires landlords to include in the move-in inspection report details about visible mold in accessible areas of the dwelling. If the report indicates no visible mold, it is considered accurate unless the tenant objects in writing within five days. If visible mold is present, the tenant can choose to terminate the tenancy or stay. If the tenant stays, the landlord must remediate the mold within five business days and provide a new report confirming the absence of mold.</p>
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Mold Disclosure
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Virginia law (§ 55.1-1215) requires landlords to include in the move-in inspection report details about visible mold in accessible areas of the dwelling. If the report indicates no visible mold, it is considered accurate unless the tenant objects in writing within five days. If visible mold is present, the tenant can choose to terminate the tenancy or stay. If the tenant stays, the landlord must remediate the mold within five business days and provide a new report confirming the absence of mold. |
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Non-Refundable Fees
<p>While Virginia law does not explicitly address non-refundable fees, it is standard practice for landlords to specify any such fees, including application fees, pet fees, or cleaning fees, within the rental agreement. </p>
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Non-Refundable Fees
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While Virginia law does not explicitly address non-refundable fees, it is standard practice for landlords to specify any such fees, including application fees, pet fees, or cleaning fees, within the rental agreement. |
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Smoking
<p>Landlords are encouraged to specify smoking policies within the lease agreement, indicating whether smoking is permitted on the premises and, if so, any restrictions or designated areas.</p>
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Smoking
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Landlords are encouraged to specify smoking policies within the lease agreement, indicating whether smoking is permitted on the premises and, if so, any restrictions or designated areas. |
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Security Deposit Disclosure
<p>Landlords may charge a security deposit not exceeding two months' rent. Upon termination of the tenancy, the deposit must be returned to the tenant within 45 days, along with an itemized list of any deductions made for damages or unpaid ren</p>
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Security Deposit Disclosure
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Landlords may charge a security deposit not exceeding two months' rent. Upon termination of the tenancy, the deposit must be returned to the tenant within 45 days, along with an itemized list of any deductions made for damages or unpaid ren |
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Flood Hazard Disclosure
<p>Virginia law does not mandate landlords to disclose if a property is in a flood zone; however, it's considered good practice to inform tenants of potential flood risks.</p>
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Flood Hazard Disclosure
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Virginia law does not mandate landlords to disclose if a property is in a flood zone; however, it's considered good practice to inform tenants of potential flood risks. |
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Radon Disclosure
<p>Virginia does not require radon disclosures.<br>However, if a landlord is aware of elevated radon levels, it is prudent to inform tenants to ensure transparency and safety.</p>
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Radon Disclosure
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Virginia does not require radon disclosures. |
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Bed Bugs Disclosure
<p>The move-in inspection report must include whether there is any visible evidence of mold. If mold is present, the tenant has the option to terminate the lease or refuse to move in. If the tenant chooses to remain, the landlord is obligated to remediate the mold condition within five business days and provide a new report confirming the absence of mold.</p>
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Bed Bugs Disclosure
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The move-in inspection report must include whether there is any visible evidence of mold. If mold is present, the tenant has the option to terminate the lease or refuse to move in. If the tenant chooses to remain, the landlord is obligated to remediate the mold condition within five business days and provide a new report confirming the absence of mold. |
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Addenda |
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Pet Agreement
<p>Outline rules regarding pet types, sizes, behavior, and any associated fees or deposits.</p>
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Pet Agreement
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Outline rules regarding pet types, sizes, behavior, and any associated fees or deposits. |
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Medical Marijuana
<p>Virginia permits the use of medical marijuana for qualifying patients under specific conditions. Despite this, landlords retain the right to enforce policies regarding the use and possession of marijuana on their properties. </p>
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Medical Marijuana
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Virginia permits the use of medical marijuana for qualifying patients under specific conditions. Despite this, landlords retain the right to enforce policies regarding the use and possession of marijuana on their properties. |
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Shared Utilities
<p>Describe how utility charges are divided among tenants to ensure clarity on financial responsibilities.</p>
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Shared Utilities
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Describe how utility charges are divided among tenants to ensure clarity on financial responsibilities. |
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Carbon Monoxide Alarm
<p>Virginia law requires the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all rental properties that contain fuel-burning appliances or have an attached garage.</p>
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Carbon Monoxide Alarm
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Virginia law requires the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all rental properties that contain fuel-burning appliances or have an attached garage. |
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Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Code of Virginia, Title 55.1, Chapter 12) mandates that lease agreements must include the landlord’s and property manager’s full contact information.
Landlord Requirements:
In Virginia, landlords must adhere to Title X federal requirements, which mandate that lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 properties be disclosed to tenants.
Landlord Requirements:
The lease must document the property’s condition to protect both parties, as per Virginia Code § 55.1-1220. This ensures clarity on pre-existing issues and responsibilities during and after the lease.
Landlord Requirements:
Explore lease agreement forms from other states to ensure compliance and simplify rentals.