Virginia Rental Application Overview
Virginia provides moderate to strong tenant protections. Application fees are capped at $50, source of income discrimination is prohibited, and the state has broad fair housing protections. Criminal history screening is not restricted at the state level.
Virginia Code Section 55.1-1203 limits the total application fee to $50 per applicant. This cap includes any charges for credit checks, background checks, and processing. The fee is non-refundable. Landlords cannot charge additional screening fees beyond this amount. If a landlord does not complete the application process within 30 days, the fee must be refunded.
$50 max (VA Code 55.
Max application fee
Yes, with written co
Credit check
No statewide restric
Criminal bg check
2.5-3x monthly rent
Income requirement
Virginia Tenant Screening Laws
Application Fee Rules
Virginia Code Section 55.1-1203 limits the total application fee to $50 per applicant. This cap includes any charges for credit checks, background checks, and processing. The fee is non-refundable. Landlords cannot charge additional screening fees beyond this amount. If a landlord does not complete the application process within 30 days, the fee must be refunded.
Criminal Background Check Rules
Virginia does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for housing. Landlords can consider criminal history in screening decisions. Some localities may have local protections.
Credit Check Requirements
Virginia landlords can run credit checks with written consent. The $50 application fee cap includes credit check costs. Adverse action notices are required under the FCRA.
Fair Housing Protections
The Virginia Fair Housing Law has been significantly expanded in recent years to add sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, veteran status, and elderliness to the list of protected classes. The Virginia Fair Housing Office handles complaints.
Source of Income Protection
Virginia prohibits discrimination based on source of income. Landlords cannot reject applicants solely because their income comes from Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Social Security, disability benefits, child support, alimony, or other lawful income sources. Violations can result in fair housing complaints and penalties.
Virginia Screening Criteria
Virginia landlords typically evaluate the following criteria when reviewing rental applications. All screening must comply with federal and Virginia state fair housing laws.
- Credit Score: Most Virginia landlords look for a credit score of 620 or higher, though thresholds vary by property and market
- Income: Gross monthly income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent is the standard requirement
- Rental History: Positive references from previous landlords, no evictions, and a record of on-time rent payments
- Employment Verification: Stable employment or verifiable income sufficient to cover rent and living expenses
- Background Check: Subject to Virginia's restrictions on criminal history screening
How to Fill Out a Virginia Rental Application
Follow these steps to properly complete your Virginia rental application. Our template includes all sections required for Virginia-compliant tenant screening.
Provide Personal Information
Enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, email, and current address. Your SSN is required for the credit check and will be handled securely per Virginia data protection requirements.
Detail Your Rental History
List your current and previous addresses for the past 2-3 years, including landlord names and contact information, monthly rent, dates of tenancy, and reason for leaving. Virginia landlords will contact your previous landlords to verify this information.
Enter Employment and Income Details
Provide your employer's name, address, your position, length of employment, and gross monthly income. Include all income sources. Most Virginia landlords require income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent.
Add References
Include 2-3 personal or professional references with their names, phone numbers, and your relationship. Let them know they may be contacted. Strong references can strengthen your application, especially if you have limited rental history.
Sign Authorization Forms
Review and sign the credit check authorization, background check consent, and FCRA disclosure. These are required by federal law before the landlord can access your consumer reports. The authorization is specific to this application and cannot be used for other purposes.
Submit with Supporting Documents
Attach copies of your photo ID, recent pay stubs, and any other requested documentation. Pay the application fee if required, keeping in mind Virginia's fee regulations.
Virginia Rental Application Fees & Costs
Here's a breakdown of typical rental application costs in Virginia. Fees vary by landlord and screening service used.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | Capped at $50 |
| Credit Check | $15-$40 (often included in application fee) |
| Background Check | $20-$50 (often included in application fee) |
| Refundable? | Typically non-refundable |
Sample Virginia Rental Application
Below is a preview of our Virginia-specific rental application. Your customized document will include all fields and disclosures required under Virginia law.
STATE OF VIRGINIA
RENTAL APPLICATION
Tenant Screening Form
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: [Legal Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB] SSN: [XXX-XX-XXXX]
Phone: [Phone] Email: [Email]
RENTAL HISTORY
Current Address: [Virginia Address]
Landlord: [Name] Rent: $[Amount]
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME
Employer: [Company]
Monthly Income: $[Amount]
AUTHORIZATION
I authorize the landlord to obtain my credit report, conduct a background check, and verify the information provided in this application in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Virginia state law...
Virginia Rental Application FAQ
Answers to common questions about rental applications, tenant screening, and landlord requirements in Virginia.
Official Virginia Resources
Use these official resources to learn more about Virginia tenant screening laws, fair housing requirements, and your rights as a landlord or tenant.
Other Virginia Documents
Need other rental and lease documents for Virginia? We offer state-specific templates for every type of landlord-tenant document.
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