Staunton City Landlord-Tenant Law

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

Staunton City Rental Market Overview

Staunton is a Shenandoah Valley independent city of roughly 24,000 residents, surrounded by Augusta County and positioned at the I-81/US-250 crossroads in one of Virginia’s most scenic regions. The city’s beautifully preserved downtown — centered on Beverley Street and the Stonewall Jackson Hotel — has earned national recognition as a destination for historic architecture, dining, and arts. The Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s original Blackfriars Theatre, draws visitors and theater enthusiasts from across the country. Mary Baldwin University adds academic employment and student demand. Augusta Health is the primary healthcare anchor. Remote workers and retirees seeking Blue Ridge access at Shenandoah Valley prices have increasingly discovered Staunton in recent years.

Typical rents: $850–$1,300/mo. Civil UD: 2nd & 4th Fridays: Returns at 9:00 a.m.; Contested at 11:00 a.m. Continuances: First by Clerk; subsequent by Judge on motion. Cell phones NOT allowed in the building.

Staunton City Ordinances & Local Rules

Last verified: March 2026 · Source: Staunton City GDC — 25th Judicial District (vacourts.gov)

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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Staunton City Virginia Landlord-Tenant Law: Shenandoah Valley Gem — Shakespeare, Augusta Health, and No Cell Phones in the Courthouse

Staunton is one of Virginia’s best-kept secrets for small-city living, though that secret has gotten harder to keep. The Blackfriars Playhouse’s reputation for world-class Shakespeare productions has made the city a cultural destination. The restored Stonewall Jackson Hotel and the Beverley Street commercial district offer a genuinely walkable downtown experience rare for a city this size. Augusta Health drives consistent healthcare worker rental demand. Mary Baldwin University creates a modest but steady student and faculty market. Remote workers who have discovered Staunton’s combination of affordability, beauty, and quality of life have added a new professional cohort to the rental market. The Staunton GDC at 113 E. Beverley Street runs civil UD matters on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month only: returns at 9:00 a.m., contested cases at 11:00 a.m. One critical rule: cell phones are not allowed in the courthouse building at all — leave yours in your vehicle before entering. First continuances are grantable by the Clerk; subsequent requests require the Judge on motion. Contact Clerk Amanda M. Knighting at (540) 332-3878. Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley: (540) 344-2088.