Leaving A Lease Early
Va. Code 55.1-1236 — 28 days' notice for a victim with a protective order or a charge
A Virginia tenant who is a victim of family abuse, sexual abuse or assault, stalking or trafficking may end the lease if, during the tenancy, they obtained a protective order, or a court convicted, or an authority charged, the perpetrator with one of those crimes against them.
Effective 28 days after notice. The tenant serves written notice effective 28 days later, with a copy of the order, conviction, warrant, summons or indictment. Rent is owed through that date, and the landlord may not charge liquidated damages. Cotenants remain liable for the rest of the term.
A service member may end a lease on permanent change of station orders, temporary duty orders of more than three months, discharge, orders into government quarters, or a stop movement order of not less than 30 days, by written notice effective not less than 30 days after the next rent is due, with a copy of the orders. No liquidated damages may be charged.
Sources for this section (2)
- Va. Code 55.1-1236 — Early termination by victims of family abuse, sexual abuse or assault, or stalking
- Va. Code 55.1-1235 — Early termination of rental agreement by military personnel
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.