HB 1361: Virginia Residential Landlord & Tenant Act; civil action for unlawful detainer, termination notice.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; civil action for unlawful detainer; termination notice; energy submetering equipment. Provides that no landlord shall file or maintain an action for unlawful detainer against a residential tenant for any alleged lease violation until the landlord has provided the tenant with a proper and effective termination notice and that no notice of termination of tenancy for nonpayment of rent pursuant to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act shall be effective unless such notice contains a written statement of charges and payments over the course of the tenancy or the past 12 months, whichever is shorter, and any late charges, attorney fees, costs, and other charges or damages as contracted for in the rental agreement that are due and owing. The bill requires such notice to also include debits and credits incurred by the tenant for energy and utility bills and any additional charges permitted as applicable. The bill also requires the owner of any residential building to maintain adequate records indicating how monthly energy and utility billing fees are calculated and including a history of billing fee payments for each tenant over the duration of the tenancy or the past 12 months, whichever is shorter. Such records shall be made available to the tenant upon request. Finally, the bill removes a provision allowing for the collection of fees when a tenant requests such records. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027. This bill is identical to SB 294.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 3

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 13, 2026Approved by Governor-Chapter 783 (effective 7/1/2026)
2. April 1, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1361)
3. March 31, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
4. March 31, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
5. March 31, 2026Signed by Speaker
6. March 30, 2026Signed by President
7. March 30, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1361ER)
8. March 30, 2026Enrolled
9. March 11, 2026Senate amendment agreed to by House (71-Y 28-N 0-A)
10. March 10, 2026Passed Senate with amendment (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
11. March 10, 2026Engrossed by Senate as amended
12. March 10, 2026General Laws and Technology Amendment agreed to

Showing 12 most recent of 36 actions. Full history