Lease Agreement Template Virginia Free

RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT (VIRGINIA)

Document Control

• Effective Date: [Date]
• Version: 2024.1
• Jurisdiction: Commonwealth of Virginia
• Scope: Residential Tenancy Agreement pursuant to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA).

1. LEGAL DISCLAIMER

NOTICE: This document is a template provided for informational purposes and does not constitute formal legal advice. Residential leases in Virginia are governed by the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) (Va. Code § 55.1-1200 et seq.). Parties should review this document with qualified legal counsel to ensure compliance with specific local ordinances and the unique circumstances of the property.

2. PARTIES & PREMISES

This Lease is entered into on [Date] between:

• Landlord: [Full Legal Name of Landlord/Entity], with a mailing address of [Landlord Address] ("Landlord").
• Tenant(s): [Full Legal Names of all adult Tenants] ("Tenant").

Premises: Landlord leases to Tenant the real property located at [Full Street Address, City, State, Zip Code] ("Premises").

3. TERM & RENT

• Term: The lease term shall commence on [Start Date] and terminate on [End Date].
• Rent: Tenant shall pay a monthly rent of $[Amount], due on the [Day] of each month via [Payment Method].
• Late Fees: If rent is not received within [Number] days of the due date, Tenant shall pay a late fee of $[Amount], not to exceed 10% of the periodic rent.

4. SECURITY DEPOSIT

Tenant shall deposit $[Amount] as security for the faithful performance of this agreement. Landlord shall hold and return the deposit in accordance with Va. Code § 55.1-1226. Within 45 days after the termination of the tenancy, Landlord shall provide an itemized list of deductions and the remaining balance.

5. OPERATIVE CLAUSES

1. Use of Premises: The Premises shall be used solely as a private residential dwelling.
2. Maintenance: Tenant shall maintain the Premises in a clean, sanitary condition. Landlord shall perform all repairs required by law to maintain the premises in a fit and habitable condition.
3. Right of Entry: Landlord shall provide at least 24-hours' notice prior to entering the premises, except in cases of emergency or by consent.
4. Utilities: Tenant is responsible for the payment of all utilities except [List utilities paid by Landlord, if any].
5. Subletting: Tenant shall not sublet the Premises or assign this Lease without the prior written consent of the Landlord.
6. Governing Law: This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

6. SIGNATURES & ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing below, the parties acknowledge they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms herein.

LANDLORD: Signature: __________________________ Date: ______________ Printed Name: _______________________ Title: ______________

TENANT: Signature: __________________________ Date: ______________ Printed Name: _______________________

TENANT: Signature: __________________________ Date: ______________ Printed Name: _______________________

7. STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION GUIDE

• Step 1: Disclosure Compliance: Attach the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (if the property was built before 1978) and the Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities as required by Va. Code § 55.1-1204.
• Step 2: Move-In Inspection: Pursuant to Va. Code § 55.1-1214, the Landlord must provide the Tenant with a written statement of the condition of the premises within five days of occupancy. Both parties should sign this report to mitigate future security deposit disputes.
• Step 3: Execution: Ensure all adult occupants sign the lease. Provide each party with a signed, dated copy of the full agreement, including all addenda, within one month of execution.
• Step 4: Record Keeping: Maintain the original signed lease and any move-in/move-out inspection reports in a secure digital or physical file for at least three years post-tenancy to comply with potential litigation requirements.