State law lookup › Security deposits › Virginia
Security deposits in Virginia: what the law says
My landlord kept my security deposit
State law
What the statute says
- Deadline to return or itemise
- 45 days
- Statutory damages multiplier
- 1×
- Itemised statement required
- Yes
- Small claims limit
- $5,000
- Code section
- Code of Va. § 55.1-1226
Read it yourself
Official sources. If a number below matters to your case, open the statute and read it — laws get amended, and cities often stack stricter local rules on top.
- Code of Va. § 55.1-1226 — Virginia security deposit statute
- Va. Code § 16.1-122.2 (small claims division); § 16.1-77 (general district court)
Last checked: 2026-08-17
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Start my letter →Jab Today is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This page describes how the statutes read, which is a different thing from what will happen in your case. Laws are amended and local ordinances often add stricter rules. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
