ReclaimDepositVirginia Security Deposit Laws (2026)
Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.
Deadline
45 days
45 days after termination of tenancy and possession delivery
Penalty
2x
2x wrongfully withheld amount + interest + attorney fees
Small claims limit
$5,000
General District Court (Small Claims Division)
Requirements
Move-in checklistRequired
Pre move-out inspectionNot required
Certified mailNot required
Forwarding addressNot required
Notes
- Security deposit limited to 2 months' rent maximum
- Move-in inspection report required within 5 days of occupancy
- 45-day return deadline (longer than most states)
- Interest required in some localities (e.g., Fairfax County, Arlington)
- Bad faith retention = 2x amount + interest from date of termination + attorney fees
Citations
Quick references pulled from our shared state law dataset. Always verify against the official statute.
- Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A) - Landlord must return deposit within 45 days
- Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A) - Landlord must provide itemized list of deductions
- Va. Code § 55.1-1226 - Cannot deduct for normal wear and tear
- Va. Code § 55.1-1226(B) - Bad faith retention = 2x amount + interest + attorney fees
- Va. Code § 55.1-1214 - Written move-in inspection report required within 5 days
- Va. Code § 55.1-1226 - Deposit limited to 2 months' rent
Next steps
Use free tools to estimate your deadline and prepare a demand letter.