What facts may matter to a bad-faith review?
Use this checklist to organize facts that may be relevant to a bad-faith inquiry without deciding intent. Start with your dates and records, then compare them with the current Virginia source.
Virginia: Facts relevant to a bad-faith review
Use this checklist to organize facts that may be relevant to a bad-faith inquiry without deciding intent.
Reviewed: 2026-08-11
How sources are checked →Deadline context
45 days
Statute
Va. Code § 55.1-1226 (Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)
Review checklist
- Document dates, statements, charges, records supplied, and communications in one chronology.
- Separate observed facts from assumptions about motive or intent.
- Read the current source for the required standard, exceptions, and available remedies.
- Ask a licensed attorney about applying an intent-based standard to disputed facts.
Frequently asked questions
Questions to check against your Virginia records and the current source.
What is the Virginia deadline for deposit return?
45 days after the later of tenancy termination or the date the tenant vacates (45 days).
What remedy language should I review in Virginia?
Return or rent credit of the amount due, plus actual damages and reasonable attorney fees for willful noncompliance. Check every required fact, condition, defense, and notice before relying on that remedy.
Take the next step
Use the checklist above to organize your dates and records, then choose the action that fits what you found.