Bill > SB1356

This bill modifies the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to enhance tenants' payment options and protections. It requires landlords to accept rent payments through multiple methods, including checks, electronic funds transfers, debit or credit cards, cash, and money orders, with a limited exemption for landlords owning four or fewer rental units. The bill eliminates the previous requirement for tenants to request a written receipt for cash or money order payments, instead mandating that landlords automatically provide such receipts. Importantly, the bill prohibits landlords from charging tenants any fees for collecting or processing rent, security deposits, or other fees, unless they offer an alternative payment method without additional charges. This legislation aims to provide more flexibility and reduce financial barriers for tenants when making rental payments, while ensuring landlords cannot impose extra costs for standard payment processing. The bill applies to residential rental agreements and seeks to create more equitable payment practices in the rental market.