Do this today
- Write the date, time, who entered, and whether you were told in advance.
- Keep texts, emails, or posted notes about entry.
- If you felt unsafe, that is a safety issue as well as a tenancy issue — 911 if someone is in danger.
- Do not change locks without confirming Virginia rules and the lease.
What usually depends on the reason?
Emergencies, agreed-upon repairs, and showings to buyers or new tenants are often treated differently in Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. A national “24 hours” line is a rumor, not a rule we will print. The hour-count, if Virginia has one, is in the chapter.
What if it keeps happening?
Repeated unannounced entry is worth a dated log. Whether Virginia treats that as a breach, a privacy violation, or something a court can stop is a legal-aid question. The log is what you take them.
Does Virginia Beach add extra rules?
The VRLTA is the book. City code enforcement is local. Confirm City of Virginia Beach versus another independent city or county before you file a complaint.
The Virginia chapter
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Va. Code §§ 55.1-1200 to 55.1-1262) is the starting point. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Virginia state law is the floor. Cities may add rent boards, just-cause rules, or extra protected classes. Confirm locally.
Official sources
Common questions
Can my landlord in Virginia enter without notice?
Sometimes, for emergencies. For other reasons, Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act usually requires notice of some kind. We do not print an hour-count. Write down what happened and confirm the chapter.
Can I refuse entry in Virginia?
It depends on the reason, the notice, and the lease. Refusing a lawful entry can become a lease issue. Ask legal aid before you change locks or bar a posted repair visit.
Does Virginia Beach add extra rules?
The VRLTA is the book. City code enforcement is local. Confirm City of Virginia Beach versus another independent city or county before you file a complaint.
The national landlord entry guide has the full sequence. Open the landlord entry guide
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Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org