On Mar. 24, VA LEG enacted bill on rental agreement termination.
VA LEG enacted bill SB 884 amending Virginia residential landlord and tenant act with regard to early termination of rental agreement due to victims of certain abuse.
Such as family abuse, sexual abuse/criminal sexual assault/stalking/human trafficking.
Amends and reenacts VA LEG 55.1-1236 on early termination of rental agreements.
Document dated Mar. 24, 2025, was received on Apr. 7, 2025, due to a fixed feed.
Bill Provisions
Makes provision for a tenant who is a victim of family abuse, sexual abuse or other criminal sexual assault, stalking/human trafficking to terminate tenant's obligations.
Applies to active, current rental agreement if the tenant has obtained a preliminary protective order or a magistrate, law-enforcement agency, amongst others.
This includes that such tenant obtains grand jury, special grand jury, or court has issued a warrant, summons, information, or indictment charging any such crime.
Current law provisions set out that a permanent protective order or a conviction before the tenant may terminate such obligations under a rental agreement.
As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Virginia Housing Commission.
Legislative History
On Jan. 3, 2025, bill was introduced in Senate; On Jan. 21, 2025, bill passed Senate.
On Feb. 5, 2025, bill was introduced in House; On Feb. 18, 2025, bill passed House.
On. Mar. 17, 2025, bill substitute agreed in Senate; On Mar. 24, 2025, signed by gov.
Effectiveness
Bill was assigned Chapter 593, provisions become effective on Jul. 1, 2025.
Regulators
VA LEG
Entity Types
CNSM; Corp; MG Orig
Reference
Ch 593, Bill SB884, 4/24/2025; Citation: *VA LEG* 55.1-1236;
