Free Virginia Residential Lease Agreement Form

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Table of Contents:

What is a Virginia Standard Lease Agreement
Types of Virginia Lease Agreements
Virginia Lease Addendums and Disclosures
Virginia Lease Agreement Laws
Virginia Residential Lease Agreement Sample
Related Documents
FAQs About Virginia Lease Agreement

What is a Virginia Standard Lease Agreement

A standard lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant. This is written to conform to state laws where the property is located. In Virginia these allow both parties to comply with a series of set terms for a specified number of months or years.

Rental contracts and lease agreements have a lot of similarities as they both set out payment plans and the terms of use for a house or apartment. However, the big difference is the duration that they cover. Rental agreements usually only cover short-term tenancies of a few months at a time or month-to-month contracts.

A lease agreement should contain the following details:

How long the tenant may legally reside in the property
How much rent should be paid
Information about the security deposits necessary
When rental installments are due
Any additional costs that must be serviced by the tenant
The rules regarding the proper use of the property
Situations that constitute lease violation eviction procedures

Types of Virginia Lease Agreements

There are many types of VA lease agreement forms that can be used to manage and legally bind many different types of rental situations. They allow landlords to rent out various types of property they might have and for tenants to find the best kind of tenancy for their needs.

The most common types of lease agreements in Virginia include:

Standard residential lease agreements: Under a standard lease agreement both the landlord and tenant commit to a fixed set of terms that last for a series of months or years.
Month-to-month rental agreements: Month-to-month lease agreements will often have similar basic terms to standard residential lease contracts. However, they differ as they can be renewed or ended on a month-by-month basis. Their terms may also be flexibly altered each month.
Commercial lease agreements: Commercial leases are provided by landlords of retail property to tenants that intend to use the real estate to run a business.
Room rental agreements: In rental properties with shared living areas a room rental agreement can be used to rent a singular bedroom.
Lease to Own Agreement: This type of agreement features an option for the tenant to eventually purchase the property. It also includes the necessary terms and conditions for this transaction to eventually occur.
Sublease Agreement: a Virginia sublease agreement allows tenants to reassign or ‘sublease’ the property to another individual. This requires the property landlord’s permission and must be specifically allowed in the original lease.

Virginia Lease Addendums and Disclosures

Virginia lease agreements must contain a few disclosures and addendums when they are completed and signed. This is to properly inform the tenant of any health risks or potential issues with the property or details about how the property is managed that they must be aware of.

These essential addendums include the following:

Lead paint disclosure: If the rental unit is in a building constructed before 1978, the landlord or their agent must disclose whether lead paint can be found on the property and must provide safety information for any located on the premises.
Methamphetamine contamination disclosure: Necessary for properties where the landlord knows or suspects the use, storage, or production of methamphetamine has taken place.
Mold disclosure: Essential for properties where health risks may occur due to mold.
Military ordinance disclosure: Properties located within 1 mile of known military testing facilities must disclose the fact.
Demolition permit order: Essential for properties that are scheduled to be demolished during the residential term.

Virginia Lease Agreement Laws

A VA lease agreement must be written and signed within the laws of Virginia state, otherwise, it will be legally contestable and can be declared invalid and block either party from recourse if a violation is committed. These will police how you start and end the contract and control what procedures you can reasonably ask a tenant to follow.

The most important laws to consider when you are renting a property in Virginia include:

Security deposits: VA landlords may charge no more than two months’ rent if the property is a non-rent control unit. This must be returned to the tenant within 45 days of vacating the property and returning the keys. Landlords must also give advance notice of any deductions.
Landlord’s right to enter: Landlords can enter the rental property by giving 24 hours’ advance notice (a written notice is recommended). 24 hours’ notice is also required before the landlord may enter to give the final inspection before the tenant moves out.
Move-in checklist: Tenants must be provided with a rental inspection checklist when moving into the property.

Virginia Residential Lease Agreement Sample

Before beginning the process of creating a residential lease agreement in Virginia it is sensible to review an example document first. Use our VA lease agreement sample below to find out more about the structure and contents of a fully-fledged rental contract.

Virginia Residential Lease Agreement Sample

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FAQs About Virginia Lease Agreement

It is important to carefully prepare a Virginia lease agreement to suit the needs of the landlord and tenant exactly. To help demystify the process a little simply review our FAQs below to learn more about the specificities of rental contracts in Virginia.

What Are the Advantages of a Written Lease?

It’s important to have a written Virginia lease agreement in operation whether you are a landlord or a tenant. There are many advantages to having a formal contract for a rental property such as the right to recourse if the terms are violated and the protection of important legal rights for rental property owners and residents.

When can a landlord change the lease?

Usually, a VA lease agreement cannot be changed once it is signed. Its terms will remain fixed until it reaches its agreed expiration date or it is terminated due to a violation by either party.

With a rental agreement or month-by-month tenancy, however, the terms of the agreement can potentially be changed each rental period. This means the landlord can amend or end the terms of the contract every 30 days if they wish.

Do I need to notarize my Virginia residential lease agreement?

It is not necessary to notarize a Virginia residential lease agreement. However, whilst this might not be a legal requirement in Virginia state, signees are still advised to consider this step to provide further legal enforceability.

You are only a few steps away from your own Virginia Lease Agreement!

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Preview of your Virginia Residential Lease Agreement

VIRGINIA
RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT

This Lease Agreement (hereinafter, the "Lease Agreement") is dated as of _________ (hereinafter, the "Effective Date") and is entered into by and between _________ (hereinafter, the "Landlord") and the following residents:

_________
(hereinafter, the "Tenant(s)").

The Landlord and the Tenant(s) agree as follows:

1. APPLICABLE VIRGINIA LAW

This landlord-tenant relationship is in accordance with Chapter 13.2 of Title 55 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, generally known as the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act (the “VRLTA”).

2. PROPERTY

A. The Landlord is the owner of certain real property and improvements described as a house located at _________, _________, Virginia _________ (hereinafter, the "Property").

B. The Landlord rents to the Tenant(s) and the Tenant(s) rents from the Landlord the Property according to the terms and conditions described in this Lease Agreement.

C. Unless otherwise indicated in the Lease Agreement, no other portion of the building (hereinafter, the “Building”) is included in the Lease.

D. Unless otherwise indicated in the Lease Agreement, the Property is for the sole use as a personal residence by the person(s) named above only.

3. TERM

The term of the Lease Agreement begins on _________ (hereinafter, the "Commencement Date"), and shall continue from that date as a month-to-month tenancy.

Either party may terminate the tenancy by giving the other party written notice of intention to terminate the tenancy as provided by law.

4. MANAGEMENT

The Tenant(s) is hereby notified that the Owner or Landlord _________ is the Property Manager in charge of repairs or maintenance of the Property.

If the Tenant(s) has any complaint regarding any issue about the Property, _________ shall be contacted by one of the following methods:

Address: _________
Telephone: _________
Email: _________

5. RENT

The Tenant(s) shall pay the Landlord monthly rent in the amount of $_________ (hereinafter, the "Rent") for each full month during this lease. The full month's rent is due and payable not later than the 1st day of each month. If that day falls on a legal holiday, the rent is due on the next business day.

Place of Payment:

The Tenant(s) shall remit all rent payment amounts owed to the Landlord under this Lease Agreement to the following address:

_________

The Landlord may later change the person and place to which the Tenant(s) must remit the rental amounts due under this Lease Agreement.

Method of Payment:

The Tenant(s) shall pay Rent by any of the following forms of payment:

6. MOVE-IN INSPECTION REPORT

In accordance with the VRLTA, § 55.1-1214, the Landlord shall, within five (5) days after occupancy of the Property, submit a written report itemizing damages to the Property existing at the time of occupancy on the "Inspection Checklist" attached hereto. The report shall be deemed correct unless the Tenant objects to it in writing within five (5) days after receipt of the report.

If any damages are reflected on the written report, the Landlord will not be required to make repairs to address such damages unless required to do so under the VRLTA, § 55.1-1215 or 55.1-1220.

7. OCCUPANTS

During the term of this Lease Agreement, the only individuals permitted to reside on the Property are the following:

_________

The Tenant(s) may not allow any guest to stay on the Property longer than _________ consecutive days or _________ days in a calendar year. The Tenant(s)'s guests shall not be considered original occupants of the Property under any circumstances.

The amount of time the Tenant(s)'s guests may stay on the Property may never be longer than the time permitted by any owners' association rule or restrictive covenant or _________ consecutive days or _________ days in a calendar year, without Landlord's written permission, whichever is less.

8. PETS / STRAYS

No animal or pet shall be kept, permanently or temporarily, on or about the Property, even temporarily or with a visiting guest. As provided by law, a Service Animal(s) is not considered a pet, and every individual with a disability shall have a right to have a Service Animal(s) on the Property.

Any animal discovered on or around the Property will be considered a stray. Strays shall not be kept or fed in or about the Property. All strays will be reported to the proper authorities and removed at the Tenant(s)'s expense.

9. SMOKING

Smoking is not allowed in or on any area of the Property, including individual units and common areas, both indoors or outdoors. This policy applies to all owners, tenants, or guests. This restriction includes the use of e-cigarettes and vaping.

If the Tenant(s) contravenes this provision by smoking or allowing guests to smoke in any place on the Property, then such Tenant(s) shall be held liable for any damages caused to the Property. The violation of this provision shall be considered a just cause for the eviction of the Tenant(s) by the Landlord.

10. MAINTENANCE

The Landlord will have the responsibility to maintain the Property in good condition at all times and perform all repairs reasonably necessary to meet the implied warranty of habitability of the Property, that is, that the Property is in a safe and livable condition.

11. REPAIRS

All requests for repairs must be in writing and delivered to the Landlord. Only in the event of an emergency related to the condition of the Property that materially affects the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant, the Tenant(s) may call the Landlord.

The Tenant(s) may not repair or cause to be repaired any condition, regardless of the cause, without the Landlord's permission. All decisions regarding repairs, including the completion of any repair, whether to repair or replace the item, and the selection of contractors, will be at the Landlord's sole discretion.

If, in an emergency, it shall become necessary to make any repairs or replacements by the Tenant(s) without prior written consent from the Landlord, at Landlord's expenses, and such repairs or replacements are found to be unsatisfactory and to have caused additional damages, the Tenant(s) shall reimburse Landlord for the cost of making such repairs.

12. UTILITIES AND SERVICES

The Tenant(s) shall be solely responsible for and shall pay expenses for all utilities and services used or consumed at the Property.

13. CONDITION OF PROPERTY

The Tenant(s) acknowledges that it has had an opportunity to conduct, and has conducted, an inspection of the Property to evaluate its condition.

By signing this Lease Agreement, the Tenant(s) agrees to accept possession of the Property in its existing "as-is" condition, the Property being currently in good order and repair, and in a safe, clean, and tenantable condition, with no obligation of the Landlord to make any alterations or improvements to the Property.

14. ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS

The Tenant(s) shall not make any alterations, additions, redecorations, or any sort of improvements on the leased Property without the Landlord's prior written consent. All additions, alterations, fixtures, or improvements made by the Tenant(s), except movable household furniture, shall become the Landlord's property and remain on the Property as part of the Property and shall be surrendered with the leased premises at the Termination of this Lease Agreement.

15. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

The Tenant(s) shall not keep or have on the Property any article or item of a dangerous, flammable, or explosive material that might unreasonably increase the danger of fire or explosion on the Property or that might be considered hazardous or extra hazardous by any responsible insurance company.

16. LANDLORD ACCESS TO PROPERTY

The Landlord and the Landlord's agents shall have the right at all reasonable times, and by all reasonable means during the term of this Lease Agreement and any renewal thereof, to enter the Property for the following purposes:

a. Survey the Property's condition and take photographs to document the condition.
b. Make repairs or improvements to the Property.
c. Supply agreed services.
d. Show the Property to prospective buyers or tenants.
e. Exercise a contractual or statutory lien.
f. Leave a written notice.
g. Seize nonexempt property if the Tenant(s) is in default.

Except in case of emergency, the Landlord will give the Tenant(s) reasonable notice of intent to enter. For these purposes, forty-eight (48) hour written notice will be deemed reasonable.

17. COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS

The Tenant(s) agrees that, during the Term of this Lease Agreement, will promptly comply with any present and future laws, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, and requirements of the Federal, State, County, City, and Municipal government or any of their departments, bureaus, boards, commissions, and officials thereof with respect to the Property, or the use or occupancy thereof, whether said compliance shall be ordered or directed to or against the Tenant(s), the Landlord, or both.

18. ASSIGNMENT / SUBLETTING

The Tenant(s) acknowledges that this Lease Agreement is not transferable and that the Tenant(s) may not assign or sublet this Lease Agreement, grant any license to use the Property or any interest in the Property or any part thereof, nor mortgage or pledge this Lease Agreement.

The Tenant(s) shall not contravene this provision, unless the Landlord expressly waivers this prohibition in writing, the consent of which the Landlord may, in any case, withhold in its sole and absolute discretion.

19. NOTICES

Notice under this Lease Agreement will be given in accordance with the applicable statute. All other notices shall be deemed sufficient if made as follows:

1) All notices to the Landlord shall be directed by personal delivery or first-class mail to the Landlord at the appropriate address set forth below, until the Tenant(s) is notified, in writing, to the contrary.

2) All notices to the Tenant(s) shall be directed by personal delivery or first-class mail to the Tenant(s) at the Leased Property or any forwarding address provided in writing by the Tenant(s) to the Landlord.

Landlord:

_________
_________

Tenant(s):

_________
_________, _________, Virginia _________

Such addresses may be changed from time to time by any party by providing notice as set forth above.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Landlord and the Tenant(s) have executed this Lease Agreement in the manner prescribed by law as of the Effective Date.

Landlord:

By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
_________

Tenant:

By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
_________

Lease Agreement
Inspection Checklist

Address: _________, _________, Virginia _________

The Tenant(s) has inspected the Property and states that the Property is in satisfactory condition, free of defects, except as noted below:

	SATISFACTORY	COMMENTS
Bathrooms	_________	_________________________
Carpeting	_________	_________________________
Ceilings	_________	_________________________
Closets	_________	_________________________
Countertops	_________	_________________________
Dishwasher	_________	_________________________
Disposal	_________	_________________________
Doors	_________	_________________________
Fireplace	_________	_________________________
Lights	_________	_________________________
Locks	_________	_________________________
Refrigerator	_________	_________________________
Screens	_________	_________________________
Stove	_________	_________________________
Walls	_________	_________________________
Windows	_________	_________________________
Window coverings	_________	_________________________
_________	_________	_________________________
_________	_________	_________________________

_____________________

Date