VIRGINIA RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT

This Virginia Residential Lease Agreement (the "Agreement" or "Lease") is made on [[Lease Execution Date]] by and between:

Landlord: [[Landlord Full Legal Name(s)]] ("Landlord"), whose address for notices under this Agreement is [[Landlord Notice Address]], phone [[Landlord Phone]], email [[Landlord Email]]

Tenant: [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]] (jointly and severally, "Tenant"), current address [[Tenant Current Address]]

Landlord leases to Tenant, and Tenant leases from Landlord, the residential dwelling unit described below on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and in accordance with the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), Va. Code § 55.1-1200 et seq.

1. Premises Landlord leases to Tenant the residential premises located at:

[[Property Full Street Address, Unit/Apt Number if applicable]]
[[City]], Virginia [[ZIP Code]]

(the "Premises" or "Dwelling Unit").

The Premises include the dwelling unit and any furnishings, appliances, parking, and storage specifically listed: [[Furnishings, Appliances, Parking Spaces, Storage Description or "Standard appliances and no additional furnishings unless listed in Exhibit A"]].

Tenant has examined the Premises (or has had the opportunity to do so) and accepts the Premises in its present condition except as noted in the Move-In Inventory and Condition Report attached as Exhibit A. The Premises shall be used and occupied solely as a private residence by Tenant and the additional permitted occupants listed in Section 8. No other use is permitted without Landlord's prior written consent.

2. Term The initial term of this Lease is [[Lease Term Length, e.g., 12 months]], beginning on [[Lease Start Date / Move-In Date]] and ending on [[Lease End Date]] (the "Initial Term").

This Lease shall automatically convert to a month-to-month tenancy upon expiration of the Initial Term unless either Party provides proper written notice of termination or non-renewal in accordance with Virginia law and this Agreement. Either Party may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by giving at least 30 days' written notice (or such other period as required by law or the Lease) prior to the intended termination date.

3. Rent Tenant shall pay monthly Rent in the amount of $[[Monthly Rent Amount]], due and payable in advance on the [[Rent Due Day, e.g., 1st]] day of each month without demand, offset, or deduction, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Rent shall be paid to Landlord by the following methods: [[Accepted Payment Methods, e.g., check, money order, electronic funds transfer, or other fee-free option designated by Landlord]] at [[Payment Address or Portal Details]].

The first month's Rent is due upon execution of this Lease (or prorated if the term begins mid-month on a 30-day basis). Partial payments do not waive any default. Acceptance of late or partial rent does not constitute a waiver of Landlord's rights or reinstate a tenancy after notice has been served.

4. Late Charges and Returned Payments If Rent is not received by Landlord within [[Grace Period, e.g., 5]] days after the due date, Tenant shall pay a late charge of [[Late Fee Amount or 10% of Monthly Rent]] (not to exceed the statutory cap of ten percent (10%) of the monthly rent under applicable Virginia practice and the rental agreement).

A reasonable fee for any dishonored check or returned payment (not to exceed actual bank charges plus reasonable administrative costs permitted by law) shall apply.

Landlord may only charge fees permitted by the VRLTA and the Lease. Landlord must accept rent and security deposits by check and money order (and provide receipt) in addition to any electronic methods, and must offer at least one fee-free payment option.

5. Security Deposit Upon execution of this Lease, Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]] (not to exceed two (2) months' periodic rent pursuant to Va. Code § 55.1-1226).

The security deposit secures Tenant's performance of all obligations under this Lease. Landlord may apply the deposit only to: (i) accrued unpaid rent (including permitted late charges); (ii) damages to the Premises beyond reasonable wear and tear caused by Tenant's noncompliance with Va. Code § 55.1-1227 or the Lease; (iii) other charges permitted by the Lease; and (iv) actual damages for breach.

Return of Deposit: Within forty-five (45) days after the termination of the tenancy or the date Tenant vacates the Dwelling Unit (whichever occurs last), Landlord shall provide Tenant with a written itemized statement of any deductions together with payment of any balance due to Tenant. If damages exceed the deposit and require a third-party contractor, Landlord shall notify Tenant within the 45-day period and shall have an additional 15 days to provide the itemization and receipts.

Failure by Landlord to provide the itemized statement and return any balance within the required time may result in forfeiture of Landlord's right to retain any portion of the deposit and may subject Landlord to other remedies under the VRLTA.

If the deposit has been held for thirteen (13) months or longer, any interest accrued at the rate set by the Virginia Treasury Board (if applicable under the Lease or governing rules) shall be handled in accordance with applicable law and the itemized accounting.

Tenant may not apply the deposit as last month's rent. Tenant shall provide a written forwarding address for the return of the deposit.

6. Utilities and Services Tenant shall be responsible for payment of the following utilities and services: [[Tenant-Paid Utilities and Services, e.g., electricity, gas, water/sewer if separately metered, trash, internet, cable]].

Landlord shall be responsible for: [[Landlord-Paid Utilities, e.g., trash if included, or structural systems]].

Tenant shall place all tenant-paid utilities in Tenant's name effective on the Lease Start Date and shall maintain continuous service. Landlord is not liable for interruptions beyond Landlord's reasonable control.

7. Occupants and Guests The Premises shall be occupied only by Tenant and the following additional permitted occupants: [[Names and Ages of Additional Occupants or "None"]].

A guest may stay no longer than [[Maximum Guest Stay Without Consent, e.g., 14 consecutive days or 30 total in any calendar year]] without Landlord's prior written consent. Unauthorized occupants or extended guests may be treated as a material breach.

8. Use of Premises; Quiet Enjoyment; Compliance with Law Tenant shall use the Premises only as a private residence and for no other purpose. Tenant shall comply with all present and future laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations applicable to the Premises.

Tenant shall not create a nuisance, interfere with the rights or quiet enjoyment of neighbors or other tenants, or engage in any illegal activity on or about the Premises.

Tenant shall comply with any reasonable Rules and Regulations attached as Exhibit B or adopted by Landlord on reasonable notice.

9. Pets and Assistance Animals No pets or animals of any kind are permitted on the Premises without Landlord's prior written consent, except for an assistance animal required to be permitted under applicable federal or Virginia law (including the Fair Housing Act and Virginia Human Rights Act).

If a pet is permitted: [[Pet Policy Details, Additional Deposit or Fee if any, Breed/Weight/Number Restrictions, or "No pets permitted"]].

Tenant is responsible for all damage, odors, noise, or injury caused by any animal.

10. Smoking and Other Policies Smoking policy: [[Smoking Policy, e.g., No smoking of any kind (including e-cigarettes and cannabis where applicable) inside the Premises or within 25 feet of entrances; violations subject to cleaning charges and termination]].

Tenant is responsible for all damage caused by smoking.

11. Maintenance, Landlord Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition and in compliance with applicable building and housing codes. Landlord shall keep in good and safe working order: the structural components, roof, exterior, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and any appliances provided by Landlord. Landlord shall comply with the implied warranty of habitability under Virginia law.

12. Maintenance, Tenant Tenant shall, at all times: - Keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and free from hazards, pests (to the extent caused by Tenant's conduct), and debris - Properly use and operate all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances in the Premises - Dispose of all rubbish, garbage, and other waste in a clean and sanitary manner - Keep all plumbing fixtures clear and in good working order - Replace HVAC filters, light bulbs, and batteries in smoke/CO detectors as needed - Promptly notify Landlord in writing of any needed repairs, dangerous conditions, or defects

Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of repairing damage to the Premises or appliances caused by Tenant's, occupants', or guests' misuse, neglect, or failure to maintain, beyond ordinary wear and tear.

13. Landlord's Right of Entry Landlord may enter the Premises under the following circumstances and with the notice required by Va. Code § 55.1-1227 and this Lease: - In case of emergency (no notice required) - To make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements - To supply necessary or agreed services - To exhibit the Premises to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen, or contractors - To inspect for compliance with the Lease and law

Except in emergencies, Landlord shall give Tenant at least 24 hours' reasonable written notice (or such other period as required by law) and shall enter during reasonable hours. Tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to Landlord's entry for lawful purposes.

14. Renter's Insurance and Liability Tenant is strongly encouraged (and may be required) to obtain and maintain renter's insurance with personal liability coverage of at least $[[Minimum Liability Coverage Amount, e.g., 100,000]] throughout the term, naming Landlord as an additional interest or as required.

Each Party waives any right of recovery against the other to the extent of insurance proceeds. Landlord's insurance does not cover Tenant's personal property or liability.

Except to the extent caused by Landlord's negligence or willful misconduct or violation of law, Tenant assumes all risk of loss or damage to Tenant's property and shall indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from claims arising from Tenant's use or occupancy or the acts of Tenant's occupants or guests.

15. Alterations, Fixtures, and Locks Tenant shall not make any alterations, additions, or improvements, paint, install equipment (including satellite dishes), or change or add locks without Landlord's prior written consent.

Any approved improvements shall become Landlord's property upon installation unless the Parties agree otherwise in writing. Tenant shall not change locks without providing Landlord a key or access device.

16. Assignment and Subletting Tenant shall not assign this Lease or sublet the Premises or any part thereof without Landlord's prior written consent. If the Lease permits subletting, Landlord shall approve or disapprove a written application for a prospective sublessee within 10 business days of receipt (failure to act is evidence of approval). See Va. Code § 55.1-1204.

Any approved sublease shall be subject to all terms of this Lease. Tenant (Sublessor) remains jointly and severally liable to Landlord for all obligations under this Lease and the master lease relationship. Sublessee shall receive a copy of this Lease (or the master rental agreement).

17. Default; Remedies; Termination Tenant shall be in default if Tenant: - Fails to pay Rent when due - Violates any term of this Lease or the VRLTA - Abandons or vacates the Premises - Permits unauthorized occupants or illegal activity

Landlord shall give Tenant written notice and an opportunity to cure as required by the VRLTA and this Lease. For non-payment, Landlord may serve appropriate notice (commonly 5-day or as updated). For other breaches, notice and cure periods apply (e.g., 14-day notice for certain repair issues under tenant remedies).

Upon material default that is not timely cured, Landlord may terminate this Lease, recover possession through lawful process, recover unpaid Rent, damages, costs, and attorney fees (to the extent permitted), and pursue all other remedies available under Virginia law. Self-help evictions (lockouts, utility shutoffs, removal of property) are prohibited.

Tenant's bankruptcy or insolvency does not excuse performance.

18. Repair and Deduct (Tenant Remedy) If Landlord fails to supply heat, air conditioning, water, electricity, or other essential services, or fails to make repairs required by the Lease or law after proper notice, Tenant may have remedies under Va. Code § 55.1-1234 et seq., including the right to repair and deduct after giving Landlord written notice and at least [[Cure Period, e.g., 14]] days (or shorter if emergency) to cure, subject to the statutory limits and procedures. Tenant must follow all statutory prerequisites.

19. Holdover If Tenant remains in possession after the expiration or termination of this Lease without Landlord's written consent, Tenant shall be a holdover tenant. Tenant shall pay holdover rent of $[[Holdover Daily or Monthly Rate]] per day (or such amount as permitted by law) plus any actual damages. Landlord may pursue unlawful detainer or other remedies.

With Landlord's written consent and no new agreement, the tenancy may continue month-to-month on the same terms.

20. Surrender At the end of the tenancy, Tenant shall: - Remove all personal property and debris - Return all keys, access devices, and remote controls - Leave the Premises clean, sanitary, and in the same condition as at move-in, reasonable wear and tear excepted - Provide a written forwarding address to Landlord - Complete the move-out portion of the inventory checklist

21. Notices Notices to Tenant may be delivered to the Premises (personally or by first-class mail) or to any other address Tenant has provided in writing. Notices to Landlord shall be sent to the address in Section 1 or such other address as Landlord designates in writing. Notice is effective upon personal delivery or three business days after mailing.

22. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Pre-1978) If the Premises was built before 1978, the required federal lead-based paint disclosure and pamphlet (42 U.S.C. § 4852d) are attached as Exhibit C or provided separately. Tenant acknowledges receipt.

23. Other Required Disclosures and Tenant Rights Landlord has provided or will provide the Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities developed by the Department of Housing and Community Development as required by Va. Code § 55.1-1204.

Additional disclosures (mold, bedbugs, radon, flood, etc.) are provided as required by law or attached: [[List Any Additional Disclosures or "As required by law"]].

24. Severability; Waiver; Entire Agreement If any provision is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in force. No waiver of any breach shall be a waiver of any other. This Agreement (including exhibits and any addenda) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior understandings. It may be amended only in writing signed by both Parties.

25. Governing Law This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, including the VRLTA (Va. Code § 55.1-1200 et seq.). Venue for any action shall be in the appropriate court for the jurisdiction where the Premises is located.

26. Servicemembers and Domestic Violence Protections A Tenant who is a servicemember may have rights to terminate under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. A victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may have early termination rights upon providing required documentation under applicable Virginia and federal law.

27. Exhibits and Addenda The following are attached and incorporated:

• Exhibit A: Move-In / Move-Out Inventory and Condition Checklist
• Exhibit B: Rules and Regulations
• Exhibit C: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (if applicable)
• Exhibit D: Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities (acknowledgment)
• Other: [[Additional Exhibits or Addenda]]

28. Key Requirements and Fillable Steps (Numbered with Blank Lines)

1. Complete every [[Token Name]] field with accurate information before signing.

2. Pay the security deposit (capped at two months' rent) and first month's rent upon execution.

3. Complete and sign the Move-In Inventory (Exhibit A) on or before the Lease Start Date and return a copy to Landlord.

4. Place all tenant-paid utilities in Tenant's name effective the start date and maintain service.

5. Provide written notice of any needed repairs or habitability issues promptly; allow Landlord the statutory cure period before exercising repair-and-deduct rights.

6. Provide at least 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (or as otherwise required).

7. Upon move-out, return all keys, leave the unit clean, provide forwarding address, and cooperate with the final accounting within the 45-day window.

8. Request the Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities and any required disclosures; sign the acknowledgment form.

9. Never apply the security deposit as last month's rent.

10. Consult the VRLTA and a qualified attorney for questions; this is a template only.

29. Signatures and Acknowledgments

LANDLORD

Signature: _______________________________________________ Date: [[Landlord Signature Date]]

Printed Name: [[Landlord Full Legal Name(s)]]

TENANT(S) (All Tenants must sign; jointly and severally liable)

Signature: _______________________________________________ Date: [[Tenant 1 Signature Date]]

Printed Name: [[Tenant 1 Full Legal Name]]

Signature: _______________________________________________ Date: [[Tenant 2 Signature Date]]

Printed Name: [[Tenant 2 Full Legal Name]]

GUARANTOR (if any)

The undersigned Guarantor personally guarantees Tenant's full and timely performance of all obligations under this Lease.

Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: ___________

Printed Name: [[Guarantor Full Legal Name]]

Address: [[Guarantor Address]], -

*Template example, not professional legal advice. All statutory references are to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), Va. Code § 55.1-1200 et seq. Security deposit capped at two months' rent (§ 55.1-1226); return or itemized statement required within 45 days of termination/vacate; late fees subject to 10% cap per agreement and practice; tenant repair-and-deduct rights after proper 14-day (or applicable) notice. Verify current law and any local ordinances before use. Provisions current as of 2026-06. All [[tokens]] represent user-supplied information.*

Sources: Va. Code §§ 55.1-1200 et seq. (VRLTA), 55.1-1226 (security deposits), 55.1-1204 (written agreement and tenant rights statement), 55.1-1227 (tenant to maintain dwelling unit; landlord right of entry); standard Virginia residential leasing practice. Consult the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and licensed counsel for updates.