Virginia · Can't Pay Rent
Can't Pay Rent in Virginia: What Are My Options?
This is not legal advice. We explain what the law says. We cannot tell you what to do in your situation. For that, talk to a lawyer. Find free legal and rent help in Virginia.
You cannot pay all of your rent this month. This page explains Virginia's rules on late fees, paying part of your rent, and rent help. Notices and eviction court steps are covered on a separate page.
What the law says
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Check your written lease first. If you and your landlord never signed a written lease, Virginia law sets the rules for you. Rent is due on the 1st day of each month, and it is not considered late until after the 5th day of that month.
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Unless your written lease says otherwise, Virginia law does not require your landlord to warn you or remind you that rent is due. You owe rent on the date and at the place you and your landlord agreed to. Your landlord does not have to ask you for it first or send you anything before the due date arrives.
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Your landlord can only charge you a late fee for paying rent after the due date if your written lease allows it. Virginia law does not let your landlord add a late fee that is not already written into your lease. If your lease does not mention a late fee, your landlord cannot charge you one.
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If your lease allows a late fee, Virginia law limits how much it can be. The fee cannot be more than 10% of your rent for that period, or 10% of what you still owe, whichever amount is smaller. Your landlord must use the smaller of the two amounts. For a rent of $1,300, 10% is $130.
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Your landlord can only charge you a late fee if your written lease says so. If it does, the fee cannot be more than 10% of your full rent, or 10% of what you still owe, whichever is less. For example, say your rent is $1,000 and you still owe $400. 10% of $1,000 is $100, and 10% of $400 is $40. Your landlord cannot charge more than $40, the smaller amount.
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Your landlord must let you pay rent by check or money order. Your landlord can charge a fee to process your rent payment, such as a card fee. But if your landlord does that, your landlord must also give you a way to pay with no fee.
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A landlord who owns 4 or fewer rental homes does not have to accept your rent by debit or credit card. Ask your landlord what payment methods they take before you plan how to pay.
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Talk to your landlord
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Talk to your landlord as soon as you know you cannot pay your rent in full. Ask if your landlord will let you pay part of your rent now and the rest later. Or ask about a payment plan, an agreement to pay what you owe over time.
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If you and your landlord agree to change how or when you pay rent, get it in writing. Virginia law says a change to your rental agreement must follow two steps. First, notice must be given the way your lease or the law requires. Second, you and your landlord must both agree to it in writing. Keep a copy for your records in case there is a problem later.
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Get help paying rent
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211 Virginia is a free, confidential service that connects you with resources in Virginia. Its website lets you search for help with utilities (water, electric, gas) and help with housing.
Source:- Home page, intro text, 211 Virginia. A government guide.
If you still cannot pay
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Do not stop paying rent without talking to your landlord first. If you stop paying with no agreement in place, your landlord can start a court case. That case can end with your landlord collecting the rent you owe and removing you from your home. Ask about rent help before you fall further behind.
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If you and your landlord cannot work out a plan, your landlord may start an eviction case in court. That process has its own notice, deadlines, and steps.
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