(Tags: VA Code § 55.1-1245.F.)   

On July 1, 2026, the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is changing to extend the nonpayment of rent notice period from 5 days to 14 days. If you manage residential rental property in Virginia, here is what you need to know. 

When a tenant fails to pay rent on time, a landlord must serve written notice before terminating the rental agreement. Starting July 1, 2026, that notice must give the tenant 14 days to pay. This is up from 5 days. The change applies in two situations. 

The first situation is nonpayment of rent. If a tenant fails to pay rent on time, and the landlord wishes to terminate the rental agreement, the landlord must serve the proper notice. The notice will now require that the tenant has 14 days from service of the notice by the landlord to pay rent in full. 

The second situation is insufficient funds or stop-pay orders placed in bad faith. If a tenant’s check or electronic payment is rejected for insufficient funds or a tenant places a stop payment in bad faith, then the landlord must give the tenant notice of the issue and 14 days to cure. However, the tenant may only cure with cash, cashier’s check, certified check, or completed EFT. 

The landlord’s remedies after the 14 days are unchanged. Only the notice period is different. 

To prepare for this change, consider some best practices. 

Revise any nonpayment of rent notices referencing a 5-day period to a 14-day period to be ready to use on July 1, 2026 and forward. An outdated form could create a procedural defect in an unlawful detainer action. Also, act promptly when rent is late. The sooner you serve notice, the sooner the 14-day clock starts. 

If you have any questions about this update to the VRLTA or other new laws, please contact us on the Virginia REALTORS® Legal Hotline.