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Use this free Virginia lease agreement template to draft future rental agreements across the state of Virginia.
Want to manage Virginia lease agreements faster and more efficiently? Click on the image above to book a demo.
Want to manage Virginia lease agreements faster and more efficiently? Click on the image above to book a demo.
Our templates are for general information only. You should not rely on them, and Juro is not liable for any reliance on them. The templates might contain errors, including unlawful provisions and might create risks and liabilities if used. The templates are not legal advice, nor a substitute for it. By accessing any template, you accept these terms and agree that any use is at your own risk. Some of these templates were created using generative AI with human-assisted prompts.
Our templates are for general information only. You should not rely on them, and Juro is not liable for any reliance on them. The templates might contain errors, including unlawful provisions and might create risks and liabilities if used. The templates are not legal advice, nor a substitute for it. By accessing any template, you accept these terms and agree that any use is at your own risk.
Managing lease agreements is crucial for landlords, property managers, and tenants. A Virginia lease agreement template can streamline this process, ensuring compliance with state laws and protecting the rights of all parties involved.
In this guide we'll explore what a Virginia lease agreement template is, the relevant laws, its purpose, management, use cases, management challenges, and how Juro can help manage these agreements efficiently.
What is a Virginia lease agreement?
A Virginia lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant that outlines the terms and conditions for renting a residential or commercial property in Virginia.
Why are lease agreements important in Virginia?
It is estimated that there are more than a million rented households in Virginia, with leases across the state increasing more than 23 per cent since 2010, which is largely attributed to the 2008 recession.
It's impossible to protect the interests of landlords and renters in these households and commercial properties without a robust lease agreement in place that clearly outlines their rights and responsibilities throughout the tenancy.
What does the leasing landscape look like in Virginia?
The leasing landscape in Virginia will also determine how you choose to approach your lease agreements, and how competitively you charge rent:
According to Zillow, the median rent for properties in Virgina sat at $2,050 per month in 2024, which has increased by $75 compared to 2023
All but five counties in Virginia experienced an increase in rent over the period of ten years, according to the US Census Bureau
More than 60 per cent of those leasing properties in Virginia experienced an increase in rent in 2023 specifically
Which laws in Virginia are relevant to lease agreements?
In Virginia, lease agreements are primarily governed by several key laws. These laws aim to protect both tenants and landlords by outlining their rights and responsibilities. The most important statutes are part of the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), which we'll get into now.
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA)
The VRLTA applies to most residential rental agreements in Virginia and includes provisions that regulate the relationship between landlords and tenants. Key provisions of the VRLTA include:
Security deposits: Landlords may not collect a security deposit greater than two months’ rent. They must return the deposit within 45 days of the lease ending, minus any lawful deductions.
Maintenance responsibilities: Landlords are required to maintain the rental unit in a habitable condition, including providing essential services like water, heat, and electricity. Tenants must keep the premises clean and free from damage.
Access to premises: Landlords have the right to enter the leased property to perform inspections and repairs, but they must provide sufficient notice before entering the rental unit, except in emergencies.
Rent payment and increases: Rent is due as specified in the lease. The VRLTA does not limit rent increases, but landlords must give advance notice if they plan to increase rent after the lease term ends.
Sale of property: If the property being leased is sold to a new landlord, the new landlord's details, including their name, address and phone number, must be shared with the tenant.
Move-in inspection: In Virginia, the landlord is expected to complete a report detailing the full condition of the property within five days after the lease begins.
Late payments: Under Virginia law, tenants have a five-day grace period for the late payment of rent. In the event of late payments, the landlord is prohibited from charging more than 10 per cent of the monthly rent, or 10 per cent of the overdue balance. If they didn't specify late charges in the contract, they may not be able to charge these at all.
Termination of lease: Tenants may terminate a lease early under certain conditions, such as for military service or domestic violence. Landlords must follow due process before evicting tenants, including providing proper notice.
Disclosure regarding lead-based paint: Landlords must inform tenants about potential lead-based paint hazards in properties built before 1978, in compliance with federal law. This is common practice in all lease agreements within the US, regardless of the governing state.
Presence of mold: The landlord is expected to disclose any visible signs of mold in the property. If tenants find mold, they have five days to report it to the landlord before deciding whether to terminate their lease or request for the mold issue to be solved.
How lease agreements are managed can vary depending on the size of the property portfolio and the resources available to the landlord.
In cases where a landlord owns only a few properties (such as a single-family home or a few residential units), the landlord typically manages the Virginia lease agreements themselves. However, they should always consult with a legal professional on their lease agreement template first.
Meanwhile, landlords who own a larger number of properties, such as small apartment complexes or multiple residential units, may still manage leases themselves but often outsource certain tasks to professional property managers.
Large landlords, real estate investment trusts (REITs), or companies with significant property holdings, such as multi-unit apartment complexes or commercial spaces, typically have in-house teams or contract with professional property management agencies to handle lease agreements.
If you are outsourcing lease management to a property management agency, you'll want to make sure you have a robust property management agreement in place first. In any case, you'll also want a lawyer or attorney to review your terms.
When are lease agreements used in Virginia?
1. Residential Rentals
Residential lease agreements are the most common type of lease agreement in Virginia and are used when a landlord rents out a residential property to a tenant. This includes:
Single-family homes: Lease agreements are used when landlords rent out houses to tenants.
Apartments: In multifamily housing, lease agreements formalize the rental arrangement between the tenant and the property owner or management company.
Condos or townhouses: Landlords renting out individually owned condos or townhouses use lease agreements to ensure tenants understand the rules of the property and the community.
Mobile homes: Lease agreements can be used for renting mobile homes or lots in mobile home parks.
If your residential property portfolio stretches beyond Virginia, this tenancy agreement template might be more suitable. It's free to download!
2. Commercial Leases
Commercial lease agreements are used when renting out properties for business purposes. This includes:
Retail spaces: Landlords renting spaces for retail stores, restaurants, or other consumer-facing businesses use lease agreements to define rent, permitted use, and responsibilities for repairs and improvements.
Office spaces: Businesses leasing office buildings or suites require formal commercial lease agreements to establish terms like rent, duration, and any modifications or improvements allowed.
Industrial or warehouse spaces: For businesses needing space for manufacturing or storage, commercial leases define the rental terms, including the use of facilities and any operational limitations.
Just remember that commercial leases are typically more complex than residential leases and are governed by different parts of the Code of Virginia, depending on the nature of the lease and the business.
If you manage commercial leases outside of the state of Virginia, you can use this standardized commercial lease agreement template as a starting point for your contracts instead.
3. Short-Term Rentals
Lease agreements are also used in short-term rentals, where tenants occupy the property for a limited period, often less than 12 months. This includes:
Vacation rentals: Short-term lease agreements can be used when renting a property for a vacation or temporary stay, such as on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. These contracts define the rental period, payment terms, and house rules.
Seasonal rentals: In tourist areas or near universities, landlords may offer seasonal lease agreements for temporary stays, such as summer rentals or academic year housing.
A rent-to-own lease agreement is a hybrid agreement where the tenant has the option to purchase the property after a specified period of renting.
These agreements are common in both residential and commercial contexts, where the tenant wants to eventually own the property but leases it in the meantime.
There are a few nuances to this type of lease agreement, such as that:
The lease includes typical rental terms as well as an option-to-purchase clause that allows the tenant to buy the property at a pre-agreed price.
This type of lease is more complex and typically includes provisions on how rent payments may be applied toward the eventual purchase.
To get a better idea of how rent-to-own agreements work, and what to include, check out this rent-to-own agreement template.
What should a Virginia lease agreement template include?
A comprehensive Virginia lease agreement template should include the following sections:
Party details
Full legal names: Include the names of all parties to the lease, including the landlord (or property manager if applicable) and all tenants who will occupy the property.
Contact details: Include addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for both the landlord and tenant. The landlord’s name and contact information must be provided to comply with §55.1-1208 of the VRLTA.
Authorized agents: If a property manager or agent will be responsible for managing the property, include their name and contact details.
Property description
Full address of the property: Include the complete address of the rental property, including the unit number (if it has one!).
Description of the property: Briefly describe the type of property (e.g., single-family home, apartment, condo) and any included amenities or features (e.g., parking, storage space, appliances).
Common areas: If the property includes access to common areas (e.g., pools, laundry rooms), make sure you cover these as part of the property description.
Lease duration
Start and end date: Clearly state the commencement and expiration dates of the lease to clarify how long the tenant can enjoy the property for.
Renewal terms: Specify whether the lease will convert to a month-to-month agreement if neither party terminates it, or if it will automatically renew under the same terms.
Early termination clauses: Include any conditions under which the tenant can terminate the lease early (e.g., military deployment, domestic violence protections under §55.1-1235 and §55.1-1236).
Rent payments
Rent amount: Clearly outline the exact about of rent that the tenant is expected to pay to lease the property.
Payment due date: Make it clear when the payment of that rent is due (e.g, the 1st of each month).
Grace period: If applicable, specify any grace period allowed for late rent payments (e.g., 5 days after the due date) as permitted under §55.1-1204.
Late fees: Outline any penalties for late payment, including the amount or percentage charged, in compliance with §55.1-1204 (remember: late fees should not exceed 10% of the rent).
Accepted payment methods: Specify acceptable forms of payment (e.g., check, electronic transfer, or money order) and where or how rent should be paid (e.g., mailed to an address or paid via an online portal).
Security Deposit
Deposit Amount: Specify the amount of the security deposit that will be taken ahead of the leads (no more than two months’ rent under § 55.1-1226).
Deposit use: Explain the intended uses of the deposit, such as covering damages, unpaid rent, or cleaning costs. That way, tenants can elimintate these charges for themselves.
Returning the deposit: Outline the process and timeline for returning the security deposit (within 45 days after the lease termination), including any conditions or deductions (e.g., cost of repairs, unpaid utilities).
Interest: If the deposit is held for more than 13 months, indicate whether it will accrue interest as required by §55.1-1226.
Utilities and services
Tenant responsibilities: Specify which utilities the tenant is responsible for (e.g., water, electricity, gas, internet).
Landlord responsibilities: Clarify which utilities, if any, are provided by the landlord (e.g., trash collection, sewer, landscaping services).
Billing and payment: State how utility payments are handled, whether they are billed directly to the tenant or through the landlord. Include any provisions for shared utilities in multi-unit buildings.
Maintenance and repairs
Landlord’s responsibilities: Detail the landlord’s obligations to maintain the premises in a habitable condition, including repairs to major systems (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical) and compliance with §55.1-1220.
Tenant’s responsibilities: Specify the tenant’s duties, such as keeping the premises clean, reporting damages, and not causing unnecessary wear and tear (per § 55.1-1227).
Reporting repairs: Include the process for reporting maintenance requests, and the timeframe within which repairs must be made (e.g., non-emergency repairs within 30 days).
Property usage
Permitted use: State whether the property is to be used only as a residential dwelling, and specify any restrictions on its use (e.g., no home-based businesses without written consent).
Subletting and assignment: Clarify whether subletting or assigning the lease is permitted and under what conditions (e.g., written approval from the landlord). Remember, you'll also need a separate sublease agreement if approved.
Insurance requirements and limitations
Tenant insurance: Indicate whether the tenant is required to carry renters insurance, and specify the type and amount of coverage required (e.g., liability insurance).
Landlord insurance: Explain that the landlord’s insurance does not cover tenant property and is only for the structure and liability.
Termination clause
Notice to terminate: Outline the notice period required for both parties to terminate the lease. For a month-to-month lease, a 30-day notice is generally required under § 55.1-1253.
Grounds for early termination: List specific situations where the lease can be terminated early, such as failure to pay rent, or a breach of contract.
How to manage Virginia lease agreements in Juro
Effective contract management is crucial for real estate professionals dealing with a high volume of lease agreements. Juro's contract management software can simplify this process in several ways:
Automated contract templates
Juro’s automated templates let real estate teams generate lease agreements quickly and accurately, with minimal manual input required.
Using pre-defined templates ensures all necessary terms are included and compliant with Virginia laws, and the Q&A workflow populates contracts using your answers to a series of questions, which makes it easy for property managers to self-serve on contracts on terms already approved by legal.
Approval workflows
Real estate contracts often need approval from multiple stakeholders. Juro’s customizable approval workflows streamline this by setting sequences of approvers and using conditional logic. This ensures contracts are reviewed and signed off efficiently without bypassing essential checks.
Mass actions
Managing multiple lease agreements is time-consuming, particularly when the terms are standardized and rarely negotiated anyway.
Fortunately, Juro’s mass action feature allows stakeholders to sign multiple contracts in bulk. This speeds up the signing process and reduces administrative burdens, especially for property managers with lots of leases on the go at any one time.
Data-rich contract repository
Juro’s contract repository offers instant visibility into all your lease agreements. Real estate professionals can quickly find, query, filter, and report on contracts.
Since real estate contracts are built as structured data in Juro, you can create custom table views and share them across your organization, improving transparency and efficiency.
Alerts and reminders
Keeping track of important dates, like renewal and termination deadlines, is challenging. Juro’s automated reminders ensure you never miss a critical deadline. Set up reminders for any date field in your contract to stay on top of your contract management.
Integrations
Juro integrates seamlessly with real estate tools and CRMs through Zapier, including Wise Agent CRM, Zillow, Cloze, Real Geeks, and Chime. This integration pulls transaction data directly from your CRM into the contract, streamlining creation and ensuring accuracy.
Juro’s AI-native contract automation platform empowers all teams to create, agree, execute and manage contracts up to 10x faster than traditional tools. To find out more, hit the button below to book your personalized demo.
Managing lease agreements in other states?
If your property portfolio extends beyond Georgia, you may benefit from these other free lease agreement templates, too:
Modern businesses use Juro to automate contracts from drafting to signature and beyond, in one intuitive platform that every team can use. Want to see how?
Modern businesses use Juro to automate contracts from drafting to signature and beyond, in one intuitive platform that every team can use. Want to see how?
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