VA House · HB 1361

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

In plain English (AI summary)

This legislation modifies the legal procedures for landlords seeking to evict tenants in Virginia. It mandates that landlords provide a specific, formal termination notice before initiating an unlawful detainer lawsuit in court. By requiring this additional step, the law aims to ensure that tenants are clearly informed of their status and potential legal action, providing them with a clearer window to resolve lease disputes or address overdue rent before facing a judge. For Arlington residents, this bill serves as a procedural safeguard meant to standardize the eviction process and encourage communication between landlords and renters. Ultimately, it seeks to reduce the number of immediate court filings by ensuring that proper notice is served, potentially offering tenants more time to secure housing or reach a settlement.

View original bill

Roll-call votes

Roll call
Mar 11, 2026 · VA House · pass
71 – 28
Full roll call
Passage
Mar 10, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
21 – 19
Full roll call
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 2nd reading)
Mar 6, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
39 – 0 · 1 other
Full roll call
Roll call
Feb 17, 2026 · VA House · pass
78 – 18 · 3 other
Full roll call
Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute
Feb 11, 2026 · VA House · pass
22 – 0
Arlington delegation
Full roll call