summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Local rent stabilization authority; civil penalty. Provides that any locality may by ordinance adopt rent stabilization provisions. The bill provides for notice and a public hearing prior to the adoption of such ordinance and specifies that all landlords who are under rent stabilization may be required to give up to a two-month written notice of a rent increase and cannot increase the rent by more than the locality's rent stabilization allowance, described in the bill as the maximum amount a landlord can increase a tenant's rent during any 12-month period, in effect at the time of the increase. The bill sets such allowance as equal to the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index for the region in which the locality sits, states that such allowance is effective for a 12-month period beginning July 1 each year, and requires the locality to annually by June 1 publish such allowance on its website. Certain facilities, as outlined in the bill, are exempt from any such ordinance. The bill also requires such ordinance to provide a procedure by which a landlord may apply for an exemption from the rent stabilization provisions in situations where the net operating income generated by the rental facility has not been maintained due to escalating operating expenses or for other appropriate reasons as established by the locality. Finally, the bill provides that a locality may establish a civil penalty for failure to comply with the requirements set out in the ordinance that shall not exceed $2,500 per separate violation.
AI Summary
This bill allows any local government in Virginia to adopt rent stabilization provisions through an ordinance, provided they first hold a public hearing after posting the proposed ordinance online and advertising it in a local newspaper. Landlords under such rent stabilization would be required to give up to a two-month written notice before increasing rent, and any rent increase would be capped at the locality's "rent stabilization allowance," which is defined as the maximum amount a landlord can raise a tenant's rent in a 12-month period. This allowance is set to equal the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index for the region, will be published by the locality by June 1st each year, and will be effective for the 12 months starting July 1st. The bill also outlines several exemptions from rent stabilization, including certain licensed healthcare facilities, shelters for those in need, owner-occupied group houses, religious facilities, transient lodging like motels (except for long-term stays), school dormitories, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, rental units owned by individuals who own four or fewer units, and newly constructed residential rental units built within the last 15 years. Furthermore, any rent stabilization ordinance must include a process for landlords to request an exemption if their net operating income has been negatively impacted by rising expenses or for other reasons the locality deems appropriate. Finally, local governments can impose a civil penalty of up to $2,500 for each violation of the rent stabilization ordinance.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Stricken from docket by General Laws (21-Y 0-N) (on 01/29/2026)
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/HB1177 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1177/text/HB1177 |
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