Civil Rights Act of 1866 – Prohibits all racial discrimination in real estate transaction, with no exceptions.

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​Equal Opportunity in Housing – Is intended to create a marketplace in which persons of similar financial means have a similar range of housing choice.  Equal opportunity laws apply to owners, real estate professionals, apartment management companies, real estate organizations, lending agencies, builders, and developers. ​

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The Federal Fair Housing Act – Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. 

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Exemptions from the Fair Housing Act –

Rental in owner-occupied building with no more than four units. 

Housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.

The sale or rental of a single-family home when fewer than three homes are owned by an individual.    

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The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 – Added sex to the list to protected classes. 

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Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act - Enacted in 1974, serves as the primary legal framework for residential rental relationships in Virginia.

 

Key 2026 Changes to VRLTA​​

Extended Timelines for Landlord Actions: Landlords now face longer waiting periods before filing for eviction when tenants default on rent. This increases financial exposure and emphasizes the need for structured, documented communication from the moment rent is late. 

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Eviction Diversion Expansion: Landlords may be required to participate in payment plan discussions or connect tenants with rental assistance before filing eviction actions. This adds procedural steps and documentation requirements to ensure compliance. ​

Fee and Payment Regulations: Legislation now limits the types of fees landlords can charge and standardizes acceptable payment methods. Lease agreements must clearly reflect these rules, and outdated lease language can create legal exposure. 

Security Deposit Rules: Maximum security deposits are capped at two months’ rent. Landlords must return deposits within 45 days of move-out with an itemized list of deductions. In Northern Virginia, interest must be paid on deposits. 

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Lease and Documentation Requirements: Written leases are mandatory for tenancies over 12 months and strongly recommended for shorter terms. Leases must include landlord and property information, all fees disclosed on the first page, and a signed Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities, now available in multiple languages. 

Habitability and Maintenance Obligations: Landlords must maintain rental properties in safe, livable condition, including plumbing, electrical systems, heating, and structural integrity. Tenants retain rights under the implied warranty of habitability, and repair requests should be documented in writing. 

Eviction Procedures: Self-help evictions are illegal. Landlords must follow formal legal processes, including proper notice, court filings, and enforcement through a writ of possession. Evictions can be challenged if procedural requirements are not met.