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VA HB1409

VA HB1409
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; prohibited provisions in rental agreements.


summary

Introduced
01/22/2026
In Committee
01/22/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; prohibited provisions in rental agreements; landlord's maintenance responsibilities. Prohibits a rental agreement from containing any provision stating that the tenant agrees to pay (i) any fee for the maintenance of the premises, including the maintenance or provision of heating and cooling systems, pest control, trash disposal, common area utilities, and mail or package delivery; (ii) a fee for internet, cable, or any other utilities or services that amount to more than the cost paid by the landlord; or (iii) for the maintenance or security of the common areas. The bill also repeals the provision allowing the landlord and tenant to agree in writing that the tenant may perform certain duties typically assigned to the landlord and also specified repairs, maintenance tasks, alterations, and remodeling, but only if the transaction is entered into in good faith and not for the purpose of evading the obligations of the landlord and if the agreement does not diminish or affect the obligation of the landlord to other tenants in the premises.

AI Summary

This bill amends the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to prohibit rental agreements from including clauses where tenants agree to pay for various maintenance and services. Specifically, it forbids tenants from being charged fees for the upkeep of the premises, including heating and cooling systems, pest control, trash disposal, common area utilities, and mail or package delivery. It also prevents agreements where tenants pay more than the landlord's cost for internet, cable, or other utilities and services, and prohibits tenants from paying for the maintenance or security of common areas. Furthermore, the bill repeals a provision that allowed landlords and tenants to agree in writing for tenants to perform certain landlord maintenance duties, repairs, alterations, or remodeling, even if done in good faith, thereby strengthening the landlord's responsibility for maintaining the property.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry, Justice

Sponsors (11)

Last Action

Continued to next session in General Laws (Voice Vote) (on 02/12/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1409
General Laws Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1409/text/HB1409AHC1
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1409) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1097172.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1409/text/HB1409
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