SB 373: 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.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“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 959 (effective 7/1/2026)
2. March 10, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
3. March 10, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
4. March 2, 2026Signed by President
5. March 2, 2026Signed by Speaker
6. March 2, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB373)
7. March 2, 2026Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB373ER)
8. March 2, 2026Enrolled
9. February 26, 2026House substitute agreed to by Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
10. February 24, 2026Passed House with substitute (63-Y 34-N 0-A)
11. February 24, 2026Engrossed by House - committee substitute
12. February 24, 2026committee substitute agreed to

Showing 12 most recent of 37 actions. Full history