Virginia security deposit demand letter
Create a Virginia security deposit demand letter using the residential-deposit rules verified July 24, 2026. The form checks the facts that control statutory coverage, the return clock, itemization, notice, and any qualified remedy before it inserts state-law text.
What law governs a residential security deposit in Virginia?
Virginia Code § 55.1-1226 governs security deposits for tenancies covered by the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. The Act’s coverage and exclusions are stated in §§ 55.1-1200 and 55.1-1201, including institutional occupancy, certain contract-of-sale possession, fraternal/social occupancy, transient lodging, employee occupancy conditioned on employment, and specified owner-occupied arrangements. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226; VRLTA full chapter.
Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226 · Verified July 24, 2026
When is a security deposit or accounting due in Virginia?
The landlord must return the deposit and itemization within 45 days after the later of tenancy termination or the date the tenant vacates; possession must have been delivered. If timely notice says a third-party contractor is needed, the landlord receives up to 15 additional days. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A).
Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A) · Verified July 24, 2026
What itemization or documentation is required in Virginia?
The landlord must provide a written itemization of deductions with any amount due. The tenant may request to be present at the move-out inspection under the statute’s procedures. The letter requests only the itemization, accounting, and supporting documents required by that rule. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226.
Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226 · Verified July 24, 2026
What remedy may apply if a Virginia landlord does not comply?
A landlord’s willful failure to comply can make the landlord liable for the deposit plus actual damages and reasonable attorney fees, unless the tenant owes rent equal to or greater than the deposit. Willfulness is required for the enhanced cause of action for actual damages and attorney fees. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226.
Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226 · Verified July 24, 2026
Does Virginia require a demand, delivery method, or prescribed form?
No special delivery method governs the tenant’s outgoing demand. The cited law does not prescribe a tenant-demand form or mandatory language. Certified mail is recommended for evidence only unless the cited rule expressly requires a particular delivery method. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226; Va. Code § 55.1-1226; VRLTA full chapter.
Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226 · Verified July 24, 2026
Virginia Code § 55.1-1226 governs security deposits for tenancies covered by the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. The Act’s coverage and exclusions are stated in §§ 55.1-1200 and 55.1-1201, including institutional occupancy, certain contract-of-sale possession, fraternal/social occupancy, transient lodging, employee occupancy conditioned on employment, and specified owner-occupied arrangements.