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States/Virginia/Reasonable Wear & Tear
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Virginia renter guide

Virginia Reasonable Wear and Tear vs Damage

Virginia permits deposit deductions for damage caused by tenant noncompliance but the statute expressly requires the calculation to exclude reasonable wear and tear.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20261 official source cited
Damage deductionLess reasonable wear and tear

The statutory phrase is part of § 55.1-1226(A).

Evidence worth comparing

  • Move-in report and photos.
  • Move-out inspection report.
  • Age and prior condition of carpet, paint and fixtures.
  • Invoices or repair scope showing what was actually damaged.
Timeline detail: the normal 45-day rule and the narrow contractor extension are separate. Do not assume every Virginia landlord automatically has 60 days.

Official sources

Virginia General Assembly — Virginia LawVirginia Code § 55.1-1226 — Security deposits ↗

Primary law for the two-month cap, 45-day disposition, inspection rights, deduction records, utility holdbacks and damage-insurance option.

Related Virginia guides

Security Deposit →Two-Month Deposit Limit →45-Day Deposit Rule →Move-Out Inspection →