Virginia security deposit law

Read from the statute itself on 2026-11-09. Statewide rule; a city or county can add its own.

Maximum deposit: 2 months of rent
Return deadline: 45 days
Interest: Not required by the statute

Capped at two months' rent, returned within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant vacates, whichever occurs last. No interest requirement; the landlord may accept damage insurance instead of a deposit.

Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226 · read on 2026-11-09

Calculate it for your rent

State

Monthly rent ($)

Maximum legal deposit

$5,000

Up to 2 months of rent under Va. Code § 55.1-1226.

Return deadline

45 days

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant moves out, whichever is later, with an itemized written notice. 15 more days to itemize if damage exceeds the deposit and needs a contractor.

Interest required

Not required by the statute

Virginia: Capped at two months' rent, returned within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant vacates, whichever occurs last. No interest requirement; the landlord may accept damage insurance instead of a deposit.

Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226 · read on 2026-11-09

Virginia: common questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Virginia?

Up to 2 months of rent under Va. Code § 55.1-1226. Capped at two months' rent, returned within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant vacates, whichever occurs last. No interest requirement; the landlord may accept damage insurance instead of a deposit.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Virginia?

45 days. Within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant moves out, whichever is later, with an itemized written notice. 15 more days to itemize if damage exceeds the deposit and needs a contractor.

Not legal advice. Confirm with a local landlord-tenant attorney before relying on a figure.

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<p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Free <a href="https://www.proprietio.com/tools/security-deposit-calculator">security deposit calculator by state</a> by Proprietio.</p>