Thedailymiaminews– Virginia’s rent rise laws for 2025 offer certain protections for tenants, but they do not include statewide rent control. The following are the most important things that tenants should be aware of:
Requirements for Notification
- If a landlord wants to increase the rent for a month-to-month lease, they must give at least 30 days’ written notice.
- For fixed-term leases, the rent cannot be raised until the lease period is over, unless the lease agreement states otherwise.
How often increases occur
- In Virginia, there are no legal restrictions on how frequently rent can be raised, provided that the appropriate notice is given.
- However, for fixed-term leases, rent increases are usually limited to once a year or at the time of lease renewal.
The amount of increase
- Virginia does not have rules that limit the amount by which rent can be increased throughout the state.
- Landlords have the ability to determine the amount of rent based on the current market rates and their own judgment.
Protections for Renters
- Rent increases cannot be made in retaliation or as a form of discrimination.
- Tenants have the right to a habitable rental property that complies with health and safety requirements.
- Tenants have the right to leave within the 30-day notice period if a rent increase makes the apartment too expensive for them.
Legislation that has been suggested
Although it is not yet law, there are legislation being considered in the Virginia legislature for 2025 that could have an impact on rent increases:
- HB721/SB366 suggests that local governments should be able to implement measures to prevent rent gouging, such as limiting yearly rent increases to 7% or the increase in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.
- Rent hikes require a notice period of two months.
- Restricting increases to one time per 12 months.
- SB1136 suggests comparable measures, such as a 7% or CPI maximum and a restriction of once every 12 months.
Tenants ought to keep themselves updated on any changes to the law that could take place in 2025. It is advisable to check with a legal practitioner or local housing authority for the most current information and for specific scenarios.