Virginia security deposit law: know your rights.
Understand the return, deduction and notice rules in Virginia. Check which conditions apply to your rental, then choose your next step.
Your deposit rights in Virginia
- Return timing
- 45 days after termination of the tenancy or vacating, whichever occurs last. Section 55.1-1226(E) permits an additional 15 days for itemization only when damage exceeds the deposit, a third-party contractor is required, and the landlord gives the required timely notice.
- Accounting for deductions
- All deductions itemized in a written notice with any amount due within 45 days; deductions made during the tenancy require written notice within 30 days of determination.
- Deposit interest
- The state deposit statute does not require interest. Check any additional lease or local rule.
Registry review: August 2026. Review dates refer to the cited rules, not an attorney review of your case.
Does this rule apply to your rental?
Check the type of tenancy, the lease and any local or housing-program rules before relying on the statewide summary.
Va. Code § 55.1-1226 ↗What starts the return clock?
45 days after termination of the tenancy or vacating, whichever occurs last. Section 55.1-1226(E) permits an additional 15 days for itemization only when damage exceeds the deposit, a third-party contractor is required, and the landlord gives the required timely notice.
Va. Code § 55.1-1226 ↗Check your return timing
Optional estimate from your move-out date. Read the start conditions above before treating that estimate as the return deadline. You can start the free analysis without completing this check.
Check what the landlord deducted
The landlord must keep itemized records of all deductions for two years and permit tenant inspection of those records.
Match each charge to the work alleged, the lease provision and the records supporting the amount. Keep refunds and charges you accept separate from those you dispute.
Va. Code § 55.1-1226 ↗What could you recover?
No multiplier and no flat penalty: for willful failure to comply, the court shall order return of the security deposit plus actual damages and reasonable attorney fees (§ 55.1-1226).
Start with the unpaid amount you dispute. Any additional statutory recovery depends on the conditions in Va. Code § 55.1-1226(E), including applicable notice requirements.
Va. Code § 55.1-1226 ↗Put the rules to work
See how the rules fit your deposit dispute
Free analysis
Add the refund, charges and records. Review the deductions and possible remedies with an explanation tied to your facts.
Full case package $29-$49
Turn your case into a demand letter, organized exhibits and a next-step plan. Review the analysis before deciding to buy.
Your entered dates and deposit amount carry forward. Additional timing details are saved in case notes. The next step asks for the refund and charges so you can build on this check.
Choose your next step
Small-claims limit: $5,000. Filing: ~$40-$75 by locality + sheriff service. The court guide explains the applicable limits and additional costs.
Questions about Virginia deposit rights
How long does a Virginia landlord have to return a security deposit?
45 days after termination of the tenancy or vacating, whichever occurs last. Section 55.1-1226(E) permits an additional 15 days for itemization only when damage exceeds the deposit, a third-party contractor is required, and the landlord gives the required timely notice.
Va. Code § 55.1-1226 ↗See the timing rules →What happens if my landlord does not follow the deposit return rules in Virginia?
On willful noncompliance the court shall order return of the deposit together with actual damages and reasonable attorney fees; the statute does not clearly address whether a merely late but non-willful landlord forfeits deductions. Keep proof of the dates, any refund, and the itemized statement.
Va. Code § 55.1-1226 ↗Understand the possible recovery →What accounting should I ask for in Virginia?
All deductions itemized in a written notice with any amount due within 45 days; deductions made during the tenancy require written notice within 30 days of determination. The landlord must keep itemized records of all deductions for two years and permit tenant inspection of those records.
Va. Code § 55.1-1226 ↗