(HB834) GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION 1.
Virginia2026Enacted
HB834
Virginia Law Changes Rules About Landlords Ending Leases Due to Damage
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 5:26 AM
In one sentence
This law changes how landlords can end leases when a rental property is damaged by fire or other disasters.
What it does
- Requires landlords to try talking with tenants about alternatives before ending the lease if damage happens.
- Allows landlords to offer another similar apartment in the same building as an alternative to ending the lease.
- Gives tenants more time (21 days) to respond after receiving a notice from their landlord about ending the lease due to damage.
- Requires landlords to recheck the extent of damage and if the place is livable, if asked by the tenant within 7 days of getting a termination notice.
Who it affects
- Landlords who own rental properties in Virginia.
- Tenants living in damaged rental units in Virginia.
Limits and unknowns
- The law only applies to rental properties in Virginia.
- Landlords don't have to offer another apartment if the original damage was caused by the tenant's actions.
- This new rule starts on January 1, 2027.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Substantially impaired
- When a place is so badly damaged that it can't be used normally or safely.
- Casualty damage
- Damage caused by events like fires, floods, or other disasters.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; fire or casualty damage; termination by landlord. Requires a landlord, prior to giving a tenant 21 days' notice of his intention to terminate the rental agreement for a dwelling unit that has been damaged or destroyed by fire or casualty, to (i) make a reasonable effort to meet with the tenant to discuss reasonable alternatives and offer the tenant a substantially similar dwelling unit, if one is available, or (ii) determine that the damage was caused by the tenant's failure to maintain the dwelling unit in accordance with relevant law. Current law allows the landlord to terminate such agreement by giving the tenant 14 days' notice of his intention to terminate on the basis of the landlord's determination that such damage requires the removal of the tenant and that the use of the premises is substantially impaired. The bill requires the landlord, upon receiving a request from the tenant after the tenant has received such notice, to reevaluate the extent of damage and habitability of such dwelling unit unless the landlord has determined that the damage was caused by the tenant's failure to maintain the dwelling unit. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027.
Official activity
Bill history
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 1117 (Effective 1/1/2027)Governor
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1117)Governor
- Communicated to GovernorHouse
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 23, 2026Governor
- House concurred in Governor's recommendation (66-Y 33-N 0-A)House
- Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)Senate
- Governor's recommendation received by HouseGovernor
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB834)House
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Signed by SpeakerHouse
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Signed by PresidentSenate
- EnrolledHouse
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB834ER)House
- Senate amendment agreed to by House (66-Y 32-N 0-A)House
- Read third timeSenate
Changes
Amendments
4 stored
OFFERED FOR CONSIDERATION 3/03/2026 HB 834 GENERAL LAWS AND TECHNOLOGY 1.
3/05/2026 (HB834) AMENDMENT(S) PROPOSED BY THE SENATE GENERAL LAWS AND TECHNOLOGY 1.
3/10/2026 (HB834) AMENDMENT(S) PROPOSED BY THE SENATE GENERAL LAWS AND TECHNOLOGY 1.