(HB848) GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION 1.
Virginia2026Enacted
HB848
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act Changes
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 5:26 AM
In one sentence
This law modifies how tenants can handle disputes with landlords by changing rules about rent escrow accounts.
What it does
- Removes the requirement for tenants to pay all rent into an escrow account before getting any help from a court.
- Requires tenants to put monthly rent payments into an escrow account within five days of when they are due, unless a judge changes this rule.
- States that if a tenant does not make timely payments into the escrow account, it will not automatically end their case but can affect how judges decide cases.
Who it affects
- Tenants who have disputes with landlords about repairs or living conditions.
- Landlords dealing with tenants who are asking for help from a court.
Limits and unknowns
- The law will start on January 1, 2027.
- It only changes how courts handle rent escrow accounts and does not affect other parts of tenant rights laws.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Escrow
- A special account where money is kept until certain conditions are met, like fixing problems in an apartment.
- Material Noncompliance
- When a landlord does not follow important parts of the rental agreement or laws about living conditions.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; material noncompliance by landlord; rent escrow; relief. Removes the requirement that, prior to the granting of any relief, a tenant shall pay into escrow any amount of rent called for under the rental agreement. The bill requires the tenant, during the pendency of the action, to pay into escrow the amount of rent that becomes due within five days of the date due under the rental agreement, unless or until such amount is modified by a subsequent order of the court. The bill also provides that a failure of the tenant to make timely payments into escrow shall not be grounds for dismissal of the underlying action but may be considered by the court when issuing an order. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027.
Official activity
Bill history
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 1118 (Effective 1/1/2027)Governor
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1118)Governor
- Communicated to GovernorHouse
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 23, 2026Governor
- House concurred in Governor's recommendation (67-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 (HB848)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 (HB848ER)House
- Senate amendment agreed to by House (70-Y 29-N 0-A)House
- Read third timeSenate
Changes
Amendments
4 stored
OFFERED FOR CONSIDERATION 3/03/2026 HB 848 GENERAL LAWS AND TECHNOLOGY 1.
3/05/2026 (HB848) AMENDMENT(S) PROPOSED BY THE SENATE GENERAL LAWS AND TECHNOLOGY 1.
3/10/2026 (HB848) AMENDMENT(S) PROPOSED BY THE SENATE GENERAL LAWS AND TECHNOLOGY 1.