Virginia Beach Security Deposit Rules for Landlords

Housing and Building Standards Virginia 4 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Virginia

In Virginia Beach, Virginia, landlords must follow state and local rules when taking, holding, and returning tenant security deposits. This guide explains the applicable Virginia landlord-tenant statutes and the relevant city-level enforcement contacts for Virginia Beach, with practical steps landlords and tenants can take to comply or to resolve disputes. Where the municipal code defers to state law we cite the controlling statute so you can verify requirements and timelines. Review the cited official sources and use the action steps below to manage deposits, document charges, and respond to complaints.

Scope and Who Must Comply

Landlords, property managers, and agents who rent residential property in Virginia Beach are generally subject to Virginia landlord-tenant statutes and any applicable provisions of the City of Virginia Beach code. For precise statutory language and definitions, review the Virginia statutes cited below and the Virginia Beach municipal code references.Virginia landlord-tenant statutes[1]

What a Security Deposit Can Cover

  • Unpaid rent and late fees allowed by the lease or statute.
  • Repair of damage beyond normal wear and tear.
  • Cleaning costs when the tenant leaves premises in a condition beyond ordinary cleanliness requirements.
Keep dated, itemized records and photos when you move a tenant in and out.

Required Notices and Accounting

State law and the municipal code provisions that apply to rental agreements set out whether landlords must provide written statements, itemized deductions, or opportunities to cure alleged damage. Review the Virginia Beach Code of Ordinances and the referenced state statutes for any required timing or content of notices.Virginia Beach Code of Ordinances[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and remedies for wrongful retention of security deposits can involve civil claims, administrative complaints to city departments, or other actions. The controlling instruments and enforcing offices are identified below, with citations to official sources where available.

  • Monetary fines and statutory damages: not specified on the cited page; consult the statute and municipal code cited below for any statutory damages or civil remedies.
  • Escalation (first, repeat, continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to repay, court judgments, or orders to correct violations may be pursued; specific non-monetary remedies are not itemized on the cited municipal pages.
  • Enforcer: City of Virginia Beach Code Compliance or Development Services for local code issues; state statutes are enforced through the civil court system and private actions by tenants or landlords.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: file a code complaint with Virginia Beach Development Services/Code Compliance or consult the state statute and consider small-claims or general district court actions for civil recovery.
  • Appeal/review routes and time limits: time limits for appeals or civil actions are set by statute or court rules and are not fully specified on the cited municipal summary pages; consult the statute and local court rules for deadlines.

Common violations and typical outcomes:

  • Failing to provide a required written accounting on move-out — may lead to court-ordered return of funds or additional remedies if a statute requires an accounting (not specified on the cited page).
  • Charging for ordinary wear and tear — likely disallowed; tenant defenses may succeed in court or at administrative review.
  • Commingling deposit funds with operating accounts when statute or ordinance requires segregated handling — potential administrative action or civil claim.

Applications & Forms

There is no city-issued uniform security deposit form published on the cited Virginia Beach ordinance pages; landlords typically use lease addenda and move-in/move-out checklists. For statutory forms, notices, or claim forms, consult the official state statutes and local code pages listed below. If the municipality or state publishes a specific form, it will be available on the linked official pages.

If you cannot find an official form, document charges with an itemized statement and photos.

How to Document and Return a Deposit (Action Steps)

  • Maintain a signed inventory and photos at move-in and move-out.
  • Provide an itemized statement of deductions to the tenant when you withhold any portion of the deposit.
  • Keep deposit funds accounted for and, where required, separated from operating accounts.
  • Follow statutory timelines for returning deposits or providing required statements; if timelines are not explicit on the city page, follow the controlling state statute cited below.

FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
Timing is governed by the applicable Virginia landlord-tenant statute; the precise deadline should be confirmed in the statute or municipal code cited below.See statute[1]
Can a landlord charge for normal wear and tear?
No, normal wear and tear is typically not chargeable; deductions should reflect repairs beyond ordinary use and be documented.
Where do I file a complaint if a deposit is withheld improperly?
File a complaint with City of Virginia Beach Code Compliance or pursue a civil claim in the appropriate court; see the municipal contacts in Resources below.See local code[2]

How-To

  1. Document the issue with dated photos and a copy of the lease.
  2. Request an itemized accounting from the landlord in writing and keep your correspondence.
  3. If the landlord does not respond or you disagree, contact Virginia Beach Code Compliance to ask about administrative options.
  4. Consider a civil claim in general district or small claims court if the amount and circumstances make litigation appropriate.
  5. Bring your documentation, lease, photos, and any communication to your hearing or mediation.
  6. Follow court orders or settlement terms to recover funds or resolve outstanding liability.

Key Takeaways

  • Follow state statutes and check Virginia Beach municipal code for any local requirements.
  • Document condition and provide itemized deductions to avoid disputes.
  • Contact City of Virginia Beach Code Compliance or use civil court remedies when deposits are withheld improperly.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Virginia Legislative Information System - Virginia Code
  2. [2] City of Virginia Beach - Code of Ordinances

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