Virginia Eviction Notice Overview
Virginia uses a 21-day notice for first lease violations and a 30-day notice for repeat violations under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), Va. Code §55.1-1245. There is no 14-day notice. Virginia’s framework is among the more tenant-protective in the Southeast. Cases are filed in General District Court.
Fairfax County, Virginia Beach, Prince William County, and Loudoun County handle the highest volumes. Northern Virginia (NoVA) jurisdictions tend to have heavier dockets. Virginia reformed its eviction laws in 2019–2020 with additional tenant protections.
21/30 Days
Statutory minimum
$51–$151
General District Court
Written
Notice required
4–8 Wks
Total process
Virginia’s 21-Day / 30-Day Notice System
Under Va. Code §55.1-1245(A), for a first lease violation, the landlord must give 21 days’ notice to cure. If the tenant cures, the tenancy continues. Under §55.1-1245(B), for a second violation within 6 months (or if the violation cannot be cured), the landlord gives 30 days’ notice to terminate.
Virginia Notice Periods
21-day cure: First lease violation (Va. Code §55.1-1245(A))
30-day termination: Repeat or incurable violation (§55.1-1245(B))
5-day notice: Non-payment of rent (§55.1-1245(D))
30-day termination: Month-to-month without cause (§55.1-1253)
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in Virginia
- Unauthorized pets
- Unauthorized occupants
- Noise or disturbances
- Property damage
- Failure to maintain
- Operating businesses without permission
Virginia Legal Requirements
Virginia courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Notice: Required under the VRLTA
- 21-Day Cure (first offense): Give 21 days to cure the violation
- 30-Day Termination (repeat): Give 30 days if same violation recurs within 6 months
- Specific Violation: Describe the breach with specificity
- Landlord Info: Name, address, phone (§55.1-1216)
Serving the Notice in Virginia
Proper service is critical in Virginia. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Service
Hand to tenant.
Post and Mail
Post on door and mail.
Certified Mail
Via certified mail.
Virginia Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in Virginia, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
Virginia Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Virginia. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| General District Court Filing | $51 – $151 |
| Sheriff Service | $12 – $25 |
| Writ of Possession | $25 – $50 |
| Sheriff Execution | $25 – $50 |
| Attorney Fees | $500 – $2,000 |
Sample Virginia Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Virginia-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under VA law.
21-DAY NOTICE TO CURE
STATE OF VIRGINIA
Pursuant to Va. Code §55.1-1245(A)
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [Virginia Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You have twenty-one (21) days to cure the above violation. Failure to cure will result in termination of your rental agreement.