Virginia required lease disclosures: the rights statement, the mold report and the sale notice
Virginia ties its disclosures to three documents: the statement of tenant rights and responsibilities that must travel with the written lease (Va. Code 55.1-1204), the mold disclosure that belongs in the move-in inspection report (55.1-1215), and a written disclosure of the manager and owner, with a duty to announce a sale (55.1-1216).
What must come with the written lease?
Section 55.1-1204(B) requires a landlord to offer a prospective tenant a written lease and to provide with it the statement of tenant rights and responsibilities that the Department of Housing and Community Development posts on its website. Both parties sign the department's form acknowledging the tenant received the statement. Subsection H requires a signed copy of the lease and the statement to reach the tenant within 10 business days of the effective date.
Late delivery does not void the lease, but there is a real consequence: until the tenant has the statement, the landlord "shall not file or maintain an action, including any summons for unlawful detainer," for an alleged lease violation. A missing form can stall an eviction.
How does the mold disclosure work?
Under 55.1-1215, the written move-in inspection report required by 55.1-1214 must say whether there is "any visible evidence of mold in areas readily accessible within the interior of the dwelling unit." If the report says there is none, that statement is deemed correct unless the tenant objects in writing within five days. If it says there is visible mold, the tenant may choose to terminate and not take possession, or remain in possession. If the tenant wants the unit despite the mold, the landlord must remediate promptly, but within five business days of the tenant's request.
Example a made-up Richmond owner delivers the move-in report on a Monday, with a line stating no visible mold. The tenant has five days to object in writing. A tenant who objects on day six has missed the window, and the statement stands as correct.
Who must you name, and when do you disclose a sale?
Section 55.1-1216(A): in writing, at or before the beginning of the tenancy, disclose the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and of an owner or other person authorized to act for the owner, for service of process and receiving and issuing receipts for notices and demands. Subsection B: on a sale of the premises, notify the tenant and give the purchaser's name, address and a telephone number where the purchaser can be reached. Subsection C: for a multifamily dwelling, disclose in writing to prospective tenants if a condominium or cooperative registration has been filed with the Real Estate Board, or if there is within six months an existing plan to displace tenants through demolition, substantial rehabilitation or conversion.
The information must be kept current and binds successors. A person who fails to comply becomes an agent of each landlord for service and receipts (subsection D).
What about fees and the deposit?
Section 55.1-1204(E) allows a late charge only if the written lease provides for it, so the lease is the place to say it. Deposit accounting rules are in 55.1-1226. The federal lead paint rules (42 U.S.C. 4852d) add a pamphlet and a disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for covered older housing.
How DoorKeeping helps in Virginia
DoorKeeping keeps the lease, the move-in report and the deposit details together for each unit, so you can ask Claude or ChatGPT which disclosures a lease is missing before you send it. Anything that goes to a tenant waits for your one-tap approval. DoorKeeping never holds your money and sends a payment only when you approve it. This is general information, not legal advice: check the current statute and your own lease.
Sources
- Code of Virginia 55.1-1204, Terms and conditions of rental agreement (Virginia Law), read Oct 30, 2026
- Code of Virginia 55.1-1215, Disclosure of mold in dwelling units (Virginia Law), read Oct 30, 2026
- Code of Virginia 55.1-1216, Disclosure of sale of premises (Virginia Law), read Oct 30, 2026
- 42 U.S. Code 4852d, Disclosure of information concerning lead upon transfer of residential property (Cornell Legal Information Institute), read Oct 30, 2026
Questions
- What must a Virginia landlord give with the lease?
- The state's statement of tenant rights and responsibilities, acknowledged on the department's form, and a signed copy of the lease within 10 business days (55.1-1204).
- Does Virginia require a mold disclosure?
- Yes. The move-in inspection report must say whether there is visible evidence of mold in accessible interior areas (55.1-1215).
- What if a Virginia landlord never gave the rights statement?
- The lease stays valid, but the landlord cannot file or maintain an action for an alleged lease violation until it is provided (55.1-1204(H)).