When The Landlord Can Come In
Va. Code 55.1-1229 — notice, reasonable times, and 72 hours for routine maintenance
In Virginia, a tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent for the landlord to enter to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs, supply services, or show the unit to buyers, lenders, tenants or contractors. The landlord may enter without consent in an emergency.
Notice first, and at reasonable times. Except in an emergency or where it is impractical, the landlord gives notice of the intent to enter and enters only at reasonable times. For routine maintenance the tenant did not ask for, the landlord gives at least 72 hours' notice, the work is done within 14 days, and the notice states the last possible date. When the tenant asked for the maintenance, no notice is required.
The landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant.
Sources for this section (1)
- Va. Code 55.1-1229 — Access; consent; correction of nonemergency conditions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.