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Rent Control Laws in Virginia

Virginia has no statewide rent cap, and because it is a Dillon Rule state, localities cannot adopt rent stabilization without enabling legislation from the General Assembly.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Virginia at a glance

Statewide rent cap
No
The Code of Virginia does not limit rent increases at lease end or renewal.
Local rent control banned
No express ban, but no local authority
Under the Dillon Rule, localities need enabling legislation; 2026 bills HB 278 and SB 355 to grant it were studied by the Virginia Housing Commission.
Local rent control
None, Alexandria has voluntary guidelines only
Alexandria adopted voluntary guidelines in 2019 asking landlords to cap increases at 5% a year.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Virginia

Does Virginia have a statewide rent cap?

No. Statewide rent cap in Virginia: no. The Code of Virginia does not limit rent increases at lease end or renewal.

Does Virginia law ban cities from adopting rent control?

No express ban, but no local authority. Local rent control banned in Virginia: no express ban, but no local authority. Under the Dillon Rule, localities need enabling legislation; 2026 bills HB 278 and SB 355 to grant it were studied by the Virginia Housing Commission.

Which cities in Virginia have rent control?

Local rent control in Virginia: None, Alexandria has voluntary guidelines only. Alexandria adopted voluntary guidelines in 2019 asking landlords to cap increases at 5% a year.

Where do the Virginia rent control laws come from?

The rules above come from Virginia Housing Commission, HB278 and SB355 Local Rent Regulation study (June 2026). Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Even where there is no rent control, a landlord usually cannot raise the rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it. Increases normally take effect at renewal or after written notice for a month-to-month tenancy, and notice periods are set by state law.

Rent caps and rent stabilization rules commonly have exemptions, such as buildings built in recent years, owner-occupied duplexes, or units owned by individuals rather than companies. A unit can sit in a covered city and still be exempt, so read the coverage section of the law closely.

Local rent control ordinances change through ballot measures and council votes more often than state law does. If you rent or own property in a city that regulates rent, check the city or county housing department for the current allowable increase and any registration requirements.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.