HB 848: Va. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; material noncompliance by landlord, rent escrow, relief.

Official summary

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

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; material noncompliance by landlord; rent escrow; relief. Removes the requirement that, prior to the granting of any relief, a tenant shall pay into escrow any amount of rent called for under the rental agreement. The bill requires the tenant, during the pendency of the action, to pay into escrow the amount of rent that becomes due within five days of the date due under the rental agreement, unless or until such amount is modified by a subsequent order of the court. The bill also provides that a failure of the tenant to make timely payments into escrow shall not be grounds for dismissal of the underlying action but may be considered by the court when issuing an order. The bill has a delayed effective date of  January 1, 2027.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 5

“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 (HB848)
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 (HB848ER)
8. March 30, 2026Enrolled
9. March 11, 2026Senate amendment agreed to by House (70-Y 29-N 0-A)
10. March 10, 2026Passed Senate with amendment (20-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 32 actions. Full history