Scott County Landlord-Tenant Law

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

Scott County Rental Market Overview

Scott County is Virginia’s southwesternmost county, bordered by Tennessee to the south and Kentucky to the west, with approximately 21,000 residents and its county seat in Gate City. The county occupies the US-23 corridor connecting the Tri-Cities region to the Kentucky coalfields. Its economy is anchored by county and school government, healthcare, and natural gas, with strong cross-border economic ties to Tennessee and Kentucky. The Clinch River valley provides outdoor recreation appeal alongside the Virginia Creeper Trail corridor.

Year-round residential rents run $550–$800/month. The Combined GDC/JDR at 202 West Jackson Street Suite 203 in Gate City runs civil on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. All continuances by Judge on motion. The court is open to the public Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (office hours 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).

Scott County Ordinances & Local Rules

Last verified: March 2026 · Source: Scott Combined District Courts — 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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Scott County Virginia Landlord-Tenant Law: Virginia’s Corner County Landlord Guide

Scott County occupies Virginia’s southwestern corner — the only Virginia county that borders both Tennessee and Kentucky — making it one of the most geographically isolated yet economically interconnected of Virginia’s rural counties. Gate City, the county seat, sits at the US-23 crossroads linking the Tri-Cities metro to the north with the Kentucky coalfields to the northwest, and to Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee to the south. This cross-border connectivity means Scott County landlords may encounter tenants who work in Tennessee or Kentucky while choosing to live in Virginia for cost or lifestyle reasons — a common pattern in this corner of Appalachia where state lines create wage and cost-of-living differentials.

Scott County Combined District Courts, 30th Judicial District, at 202 West Jackson Street Suite 203, Gate City, VA 24251. Clerk Robin Renea Tomlinson: (276) 386-7341, FAX (276) 386-2840. Note the separate public hours vs. office hours: the office is open 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. but is open to the public only until 4:00 p.m. — arrive by 3:45 p.m. to file. Civil UD on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. All continuances by Judge on motion only. GDC Judges: Hon. Shawn L. Hines (Chief) and Hon. Andrew L. Johnson. All 2024 VRLTA updates apply. Legal Aid Society of Southwest Virginia: (276) 623-3021.