HB 281: Va. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; defense to action for possessions for nonpayment of rent.

Official summary

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

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; noncompliance as defense to action for possession for nonpayment of rent. Removes the provision requiring that a tenant in possession of a dwelling unit, prior to asserting a defense against an action for rent or possession, pay into court the amount of rent found by the court to be due and unpaid and for such amount to be held by the court pending the issuance of an order. The bill also limits the discretion of the court in actions for possession based upon nonpayment of rent and actions for rent by a landlord when the tenant is in possession of a dwelling unit. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 4

“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 11, 2026Governor's recommendation received by House
2. April 1, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB281)
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 (HB281ER)
8. March 30, 2026Enrolled
9. March 12, 2026Senate amendment agreed to by House (63-Y 35-N 0-A)
10. March 11, 2026Read third time
11. March 11, 2026Passed Senate with amendment (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
12. March 11, 2026Engrossed by Senate as amended

Showing 12 most recent of 37 actions. Full history