As a business and real estate attorney who has drafted hundreds of lease agreements across Virginia for over twelve years, I know how frustrating it can be to find a reliable, up-to-date Virginia residential lease agreement template that actually complies with current state law. After helping countless landlords and property managers in Richmond, Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach, and beyond, I created this comprehensive, free downloadable Virginia rental lease agreement that you can customize in minutes.
This sample lease agreement Virginia landlords trust is fully updated for 2025 and follows the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA – Code of Virginia Title 55.1, Chapter 12). Whether you need a Virginia standard lease agreement in Word format or a ready-to-sign PDF, you’ll find both versions below – 100% free.
Most “free” templates floating around the internet are outdated (many still reference 2021 or earlier laws), missing required disclosures, or contain clauses that Virginia courts won’t enforce. My Virginia residential lease agreement template includes every mandatory provision and disclosure required as of November 2025, including:
Download your free templates here:
Download Virginia Lease Agreement – Microsoft Word (.docx)
Download Virginia Lease Agreement – PDF Version
| Feature | Included? |
|---|---|
| Compliant with Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (2025) | Yes |
| Security deposit provisions (max 2 months, 45-day return) | Yes |
| Required move-in inspection checklist | Yes |
| Late fee limits (max 10% of monthly rent) | Yes |
| Pet policy & pet addendum section | Yes |
| Smoke/Carbon Monoxide detector acknowledgment | Yes |
According to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (§ 55.1-1200 et seq.), every written VA lease agreement template must include specific rights and responsibilities. Missing these can make parts of your lease unenforceable.
Required Disclosures & Addenda:
Source: Virginia Legislative Information System – Title 55.1 Chapter 12
Follow these steps to make the template legally binding:
Here are excerpts from the actual Virginia residential lease agreement PDF you’ll download:
Section 4 – Security Deposit
“The Landlord may withhold from the security deposit only such amounts as are reasonably necessary to remedy Tenant defaults in payment of rent, repair actual damages (normal wear and tear excepted), and other specific charges provided in this Lease...”
Section 12 – Early Termination
“Tenant may terminate this Lease with 30 days written notice if Tenant or household member becomes a victim of family abuse, sexual abuse, or criminal sexual assault (Virginia Code § 55.1-1251).”
In my practice, I see the same expensive mistakes repeatedly:
Is a written lease required in Virginia?
No, oral leases are valid for terms under 12 months, but written leases are strongly recommended and required for terms over one year (§ 55.1-1203).
Can I charge application fees in Virginia?
Yes, but they must be reasonable and you must provide a disclosure if you don’t refund unused portions.
Does Virginia have rent control?
No. Virginia is one of the few states with a specific law prohibiting local rent control (Code § 1-219.1).
Important Legal Notice: This sample lease agreement VA template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently, and your specific situation may require customized provisions. Always consult a licensed Virginia attorney or professional property manager before executing any lease. The author and website assume no liability for use of this template.
Ready to protect your rental property with a bulletproof, compliant Virginia rental agreement forms free download?
Download Free Virginia Lease Agreement Template (Word)
Download Free Virginia Lease Agreement Template (PDF)
Last updated: November 2025 – Fully compliant with current Virginia law.