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VA HB281

VA HB281
Va. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; defense to action for possessions for nonpayment of rent.

summary

Introduced
01/09/2026
In Committee
03/04/2026
Crossed Over
03/12/2026
Passed
03/30/2026
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; noncompliance as defense to action for possession for nonpayment of rent. Removes the provision requiring that a tenant in possession of a dwelling unit, prior to asserting a defense against an action for rent or possession, pay into court the amount of rent found by the court to be due and unpaid and for such amount to be held by the court pending the issuance of an order. The bill also limits the discretion of the court in actions for possession based upon nonpayment of rent and actions for rent by a landlord when the tenant is in possession of a dwelling unit. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027.

AI Summary

This bill, effective January 1, 2027, amends the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act by removing the requirement for tenants to pay rent into court before they can defend themselves in an eviction lawsuit for nonpayment of rent, and it also limits the court's discretion in such cases. Additionally, the bill makes several changes to Virginia's voter registration laws, including updating procedures for maintaining voter lists, enhancing the security of the voter registration system, and modifying how deceased or disqualified voters are removed from registration rolls. These changes aim to improve the accuracy and integrity of voter registration while also streamlining certain processes.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Governor's recommendation received by House (on 04/11/2026)

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Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB281
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB281/text/HB281H1
Governor's Recommendation HB281 https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB281/text/HB281G
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB281) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1215094.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB281/text/HB281ER
Senate Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB281/text/HB281EDOC
General Laws and Technology Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB281/text/HB281AS1
General Laws and Technology Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB281/text/HB281ASC1
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB281) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1133850.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB281/text/HB281E
General Laws Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB281/text/HB281AH1
General Laws Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB281/text/HB281AHC1
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB281) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1095077.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB281/text/HB281
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