Russell County Landlord-Tenant Law

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

Russell County Rental Market Overview

Russell County is a Southwest Virginia county of approximately 26,000 residents situated along the Clinch River and US-19 corridor, with its county seat in Lebanon — the government and commercial hub for this former coal-mining region. Once heavily dependent on coal extraction, Russell County has diversified its economy through county and school government employment, natural gas production, healthcare, and state/federal facilities. Virginia Highlands Community College serves Russell and surrounding counties. The county is part of the broader Bristol, VA-TN MSA and benefits from proximity to the Tri-Cities regional economy.

Year-round residential rents run $600–$850/month, reflecting the county’s rural Southwest Virginia character. The Combined GDC/JDR at 83 E. Main Street in Lebanon runs civil on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. with small claims on the same days at 2:00 p.m. All continuances by Judge on motion — no Clerk-granted continuances of any kind.

Russell County Ordinances & Local Rules

Last verified: March 2026 · Source: Russell Combined District Courts — 29th 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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Russell County Virginia Landlord-Tenant Law: Southwest Virginia Coalfield Transition County Guide

Russell County sits in the heart of Southwest Virginia’s Clinch River Valley, a region that has navigated the decline of the coal economy by diversifying into natural gas production, county and state government employment, and healthcare. The county seat of Lebanon, at the US-19 and US-58 crossroads, serves as a regional commercial and government center for eastern Scott and western Dickenson County residents as well as Russell County itself. Russell County Medical Center is the primary healthcare anchor; Honaker is a secondary community with its own small commercial district. Virginia Highlands Community College provides workforce education for the broader 29th District service area.

Russell County Combined District Courts, 29th Judicial District, at 83 E. Main Street (P.O. Box 65), Lebanon, VA 24266. Clerk Donna Denise Israel Hale: (276) 889-8051, FAX (276) 889-8091. Office hours Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Civil and UD on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. Small claims same days at 2:00 p.m. Criminal Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m.; traffic Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. GDC Chief Judge George Robert Brittain is the sole GDC judge listed for this court. All continuances by Judge on motion only — contact the court at (276) 889-8051 before your Tuesday civil date to arrange any continuance. All 2024 VRLTA updates apply — 72-hour entry notice, 10% late fee cap, Va. Code § 55.1-1204.1 fee disclosure. Legal Aid Society of Southwest Virginia serves Russell County tenants at (276) 623-3021.