Landlord kept your deposit? Entered without notice? Threatening eviction? Describe what happened in your own words and get a plain-English breakdown, severity rating, step-by-step next steps, and ready-to-send letters — specific to Virginia law.
Get My Virginia Action Plan — Free to StartVirginia landlords have 45 days after termination or move-out, whichever is later, to return the deposit with an itemized statement (§ 55.1-1226), and deposits are capped at two months' rent. Under the current statute, landlords must give at least 72 hours' notice for routine maintenance the tenant did not request and complete it within 14 days (§ 55.1-1229). As of July 1, 2026, the nonpayment eviction notice tripled from 5 to 14 days, and tenants can file rent-escrow claims starting January 2027.
45 days after move-out, with an itemized statement for any deductions.
Landlords must generally give 72-hour notice before entering, except in emergencies.
No. Eviction requires a court process — lockouts, belongings removal, and utility shutoffs without a court order are illegal.
Legal Aid Justice Center at 1-833-NO-EVICT. You can also call or text 211 for local referrals.