Bill
Bill > SB290
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
Passed
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; enforcement by localities. Provides that if a condition exists in a dwelling unit that constitutes a material noncompliance by the landlord with the rental agreement or with any provision of law that, if not remedied within a reasonable time frame, constitutes a fire hazard or serious threat to the life, health, or safety of a tenant or occupant of the premises, a locality may institute an action on behalf of any tenant or occupant of the premises who is injured by such material noncompliance for injunction and damages to enforce the landlord's duty to maintain the dwelling unit in a fit and habitable condition, provided that (i) the premises where the violation occurred is within the jurisdictional boundaries of the locality and (ii) the locality has notified the landlord who owns the premises, either directly or through the managing agent, of the nature of the violation and the landlord has failed to remedy the violation to the satisfaction of the locality within a reasonable time after receiving such notice.
AI Summary
This bill allows local governments in Virginia to take legal action on behalf of tenants when landlords fail to address serious issues in rental properties that pose a fire hazard or a threat to health and safety, such as a lack of heat or running water. Specifically, if a landlord's failure to maintain a dwelling unit in a "fit and habitable condition" (meaning it's safe and livable) creates such a hazard, and the landlord doesn't fix it within a reasonable time after being notified by the locality, the local government can sue the landlord. This lawsuit, filed in the appropriate court, can seek an injunction to force the landlord to make repairs and can also request damages for any tenant or occupant harmed by the landlord's inaction. This new provision, which adds to existing tenant protections, requires that the property be within the locality's jurisdiction and that the landlord has been properly informed of the problem.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Signed by President (on 02/26/2026)
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/SB290 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB290/text/SB290ER |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB290) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1182226.PDF |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB290) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1095111.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB290/text/SB290 |
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