Bill
Bill > HB845
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Crossed Over
02/16/2026
02/16/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Unlawful detainer; bifurcation of case; contested rent and damages. Provides that, at an initial hearing on an unlawful detainer, if the defendant contests the amount of rent and damages alleged to be due and owing to the plaintiff, the court shall not bifurcate the unlawful detainer case. Under current law, at the initial hearing, upon request of the plaintiff, the court is required to bifurcate the unlawful detainer case and set a continuance date no later than 120 days from the date of the initial hearing to determine final rent and damages.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the process for unlawful detainer cases, which are legal actions to evict a tenant. Currently, if a landlord requests it at an initial court hearing, the judge is required to separate the case into two parts: one to determine if the tenant should be evicted, and a later hearing, within 120 days, to decide the final amount of rent and damages owed. This bill changes that by stating that if the tenant contests the amount of rent and damages at the initial hearing, the judge *cannot* separate the case into two parts. Instead, the entire case, including the eviction and the determination of rent and damages, will be handled together.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice (on 02/18/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB845 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB845) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1105623.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB845/text/HB845 |
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