Wise County Landlord-Tenant Law

Virginia landlord guide — county ordinances, courthouse info & local rules

Wise County Rental Market Overview

Wise County is Virginia’s westernmost county, nestled in the Cumberland Mountains along the US-23 corridor near the Kentucky border. With approximately 36,000 residents and its county seat in the Town of Wise, the county encompasses a string of distinct communities — Big Stone Gap, Coeburn, Pound, St. Paul, and others — each with their own commercial and residential character. The county is home to the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, which provides a significant educational and employment anchor. Once a major coal-producing county, Wise has diversified into healthcare (Lonesome Pine Hospital/Ballad Health), education, government, and natural gas.

Year-round residential rents run $600–$850/month. The GDC at 206 East Main Street in Wise runs civil on 1st, 2nd & 3rd Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. (segmented). Small claims and garnishments on 2nd & 3rd Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. All continuances by Judge only. Norton City is an adjacent independent city (gold pill). Office hours Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Wise County Ordinances & Local Rules

Last verified: March 2026 · Source: Wise/Norton GDC — 30th Judicial District

Virginia State Law Framework

⚡ Quick Overview

5

Days Notice (Nonpayment)

21

Days Notice (Violation)

45-75

Avg Total Days

$58

Filing Fee (Approx)

💰 Nonpayment of Rent

Notice Type 5-Day Pay or Quit Notice

Notice Period 5 days

Tenant Can Cure? Yes

Days to Hearing 21-30 days

Days to Writ 10 days

Total Estimated Timeline 45-75 days

Total Estimated Cost $150-$400

⚠️ Watch Out

Virginia requires 5-day written pay-or-quit notice (§55.1-1245(F)). No statutory grace period, but rent must be 5 days late before late fees apply (§55.1-1204.1). Tenant can redeem tenancy by paying all rent, late fees, attorney fees, and court costs on or before the court return date (§55.1-1250). Tenant may also present a "redemption tender" - a written commitment from a government or nonprofit entity to pay within 10 days of return date. Late fee cap: 10% of periodic rent. The Eviction Diversion Program was renewed and expanded in 2025, allowing qualifying lower-income tenants to be placed on court-ordered payment plans.

📜 Eviction Laws Main 📊 Compare This State

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📝 Virginia Eviction Process (Overview)

1. Serve the required notice based on the eviction reason (nonpayment or lease violation).
2. Wait for the notice period to expire. If tenant cures the issue (where allowed), the process stops.
3. File an eviction case with the General District Court. Pay the filing fee (~$58).
4. Tenant is served with a summons and has the opportunity to respond.
5. Attend the court hearing and present your case.
6. If you prevail, obtain a writ of possession from the court.
7. Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant if necessary.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Virginia eviction laws and does not constitute legal advice. Eviction procedures can vary by county and may change over time. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements or tenant protections. For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified Virginia attorney or local legal aid organization.

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🔍 Reduce Your Risk Before Signing a Lease: Virginia landlords who screen tenants carefully before signing a lease significantly reduce their risk of ending up in eviction court. Understanding tenant screening in Virginia — including background checks, credit history, income verification, and rental references — is one of the most cost-effective steps you can take to protect your rental property. Before you ever need Virginia's eviction process, proper tenant screening can help you identify red flags early and avoid problem tenancies altogether.

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Wise County Virginia Landlord-Tenant Law: Cumberland Mountains Coal Country & UVA Wise Guide

Wise County is Virginia’s westernmost county, tucked in the Cumberland Mountains along the US-23 corridor near the Kentucky border. The county encompasses some of Southwest Virginia’s most historically significant communities — Big Stone Gap, made famous by Adriana Trigiani’s novels; the Town of Wise with its UVA satellite campus; Coeburn with its strong labor union heritage; and Pound on the Kentucky border. The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is the county’s most distinctive employer, providing a stable university workforce and a student population of approximately 2,000.

Wise/Norton General District Court, 30th Judicial District, at 206 East Main Street (P.O. Box 829), Wise, VA 24293. Clerk Sherry L. Bishop: (276) 328-3426. Office hours Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Civil runs on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. (segmented) — three civil days per month providing good scheduling frequency. Small claims and garnishments run 2nd and 3rd Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. All continuances by Judge only — no Clerk continuances of any kind. Note that Norton City is an independent city whose cases also run through this court but as a separate Norton docket. Always verify county vs. city status before filing. Same 30th District bench as Scott County (Judges Hines and Johnson). All 2024 VRLTA updates apply. Legal Aid Society of Southwest Virginia: (276) 623-3021.