VirginiaProposed bill sets damages rules for rental law violations
If adopted, the proposed substitute would require ordinary care for required landlord repairs and let people harmed by rental law violations seek damages.
What it does
Landlords would have to use ordinary care when making required repairs and could not unreasonably delay or withhold them.
A person harmed by a rental law violation could seek damages for proven financial and nonfinancial losses. The award would be at least $500 or the actual damages, whichever is greater.
Argument forPeople who lose money or suffer other harm from a rental law violation could seek compensation, with a $500 minimum award.
Argument againstLandlords could face larger awards for proven losses, including nonfinancial harm, which might make rental law disputes more costly.
More detail
The proposed substitute says landlords must use ordinary care when making required repairs and avoid unreasonable delays or withholding them. The chapter's duties protect tenants, authorized occupants, and guests or invitees. The duty applies to repairs or maintenance required by the chapter or the rental agreement.
The proposed substitute says a person who suffers a loss from a rental law violation may seek damages. This applies to any person who suffers a loss because of a violation of the chapter. Damages may include proven financial and nonfinancial losses. The award would be at least $500 or the actual damages, whichever is greater. For a willful violation, the factfinder may award up to three times actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 21Continued from last sessionLatest
- Feb 12Continued to next session in General Laws (Voice Vote)
- Feb 12Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote)
- Jan 29House subcommittee offered
- Jan 26Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB79)
- Jan 23Assigned HGL sub: Housing/Consumer ProtectionMinor
- 2025
- Dec 31Referred to Committee on General LawsMinor
- Dec 31Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103115DIntroduced
Housing