Virginia Just-Cause Eviction Law 2026
No statewide just-cause requirement, no-fault notices are permitted.
✗ No Just-Cause LawEviction Rules in Virginia
Virginia does not have a statewide just-cause eviction law. Landlords may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by serving 30 days' written no-cause notice without stating any reason. A fixed-term lease, however, cannot be terminated early without cause, the tenant has the right to remain for the full lease term unless they have violated the agreement.
Even without a just-cause requirement, landlords in Virginia must comply with anti-retaliation and fair housing laws. A no-cause notice issued in response to a tenant's complaint about habitability, or based on a protected characteristic (race, sex, religion, national origin, familial status, disability), is still unlawful and can expose the landlord to significant liability.
Key Eviction Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Just cause required | No, not statewide | Va. Code § 55.1-1245 |
| No-cause notice (month-to-month) | 30 days | Va. Code § 55.1-1245 |
| Pay-or-quit notice (nonpayment) | 5 days | Va. Code § 55.1-1245 |
| Can evict mid-lease without cause? | No, fixed-term leases cannot be ended early without cause | Va. Code § 55.1-1245 |
| Retaliatory eviction prohibited? | Yes, federal + state anti-retaliation protections apply | Federal Fair Housing Act + state law |
When Can a Landlord Evict for Cause in Virginia?
Even without a just-cause requirement, common at-fault reasons for eviction in Virginia include nonpayment of rent (5-day pay-or-quit notice required), material lease violations, nuisance, criminal activity on the premises, and unauthorized subletting. These for-cause evictions typically carry shorter notice requirements than no-cause terminations and allow the landlord to seek possession quickly through the courts.
Major Cities in Virginia
View the landlord risk profile, eviction rates, and rental market data for major cities in Virginia:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia require just cause to evict a tenant?
No. Virginia does not have a statewide just-cause eviction law. Landlords may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by giving 30 days' written no-cause notice, with no reason required.
How many days' notice must a landlord give for nonpayment of rent in Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 55.1-1245, a landlord must give a tenant 5 days' written notice to pay or vacate before filing an eviction action for nonpayment of rent.
Can a landlord in Virginia evict a tenant with no reason given?
Yes. Virginia allows no-fault (no-cause) eviction. A landlord can end a month-to-month tenancy by serving written notice (30 days) without stating a reason, as long as it is not retaliatory or discriminatory.
What is the difference between at-fault and no-fault eviction?
An at-fault eviction is based on something the tenant did (or failed to do), nonpayment of rent, lease violation, criminal activity, nuisance. A no-fault eviction occurs when the landlord needs the unit for a permitted purpose unrelated to tenant behavior, such as owner move-in, demolition, or substantial rehabilitation. In just-cause states, both types are allowed but must match the statutory list; in non-just-cause states, landlords need not choose any category at all for month-to-month tenancies.
Related Guides for Virginia Landlords
Just-Cause Laws in Other States
Data sourced from Virginia published statutes (Va. Code § 55.1-1245), U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 5-Year Estimates. Last updated August 29, 2026. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.