Eviction Laws in Richmond, Virginia
Richmond is Virginia’s capital city and home to approximately 230,000 residents, with a diverse rental market spanning historic neighborhoods like Church Hill and The Fan, rapidly gentrifying areas like Manchester and Scott’s Addition, and more affordable housing in Southside. VCU and other universities contribute a large student renter population, and the city’s growing tech and healthcare sectors attract young professionals. Nonpayment of rent is the leading cause of eviction filings in Richmond’s General District Court.
Richmond landlords operate under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), Va. Code Ann. §§ 55.1-1200 through 55.1-1259. Nonpayment requires a 5-Day Notice to Pay or Quit. Curable lease violations require a 30-Day Notice to Cure (21 days to fix, 9 to vacate). Non-curable violations require a 30-Day Unconditional Quit. Criminal activity requires no notice. Virginia landlords owning more than four rentals must offer a repayment plan before filing. Richmond participates in Virginia’s Eviction Diversion Program — eligible tenants who appear in court and pay 25% of arrears can enter a court-ordered payment plan.
Richmond — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
No rent control. Virginia preempts local rent regulation and Richmond has not enacted additional tenant protections beyond the VRLTA.
Eviction Diversion Program. Richmond’s General District Court participates in the state Eviction Diversion Program. Landlords should come prepared for tenants to request a payment plan at the first court date. If the tenant makes all payments, the unlawful detainer is dismissed.
Statement of Tenant Rights. Virginia law requires landlords to provide the DHCD Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities at lease signing. This is mandatory under the VRLTA and failure to provide it can complicate eviction proceedings.
Property Maintenance. Richmond’s Department of Housing and Community Development enforces housing standards. Code violations can be raised as defenses. Document all repair requests and completions before filing.
Richmond General District Court — Where Landlords File
Richmond landlords file Unlawful Detainer actions at Richmond General District Court, located at 1301 Broad Rock Blvd, Richmond, VA 23224, phone (804) 646-6671, open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pay the filing fee at the clerk’s window ($50–$100 depending on service method). The court schedules a hearing 10–20 days after filing. After a judgment in the landlord’s favor, the tenant has 10 days to appeal. After the appeal period, the landlord requests a Writ of Possession — the sheriff posts a 72-hour notice and executes the eviction within 30 days. Self-help eviction is illegal in Virginia.
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