Eviction in Virginia
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Virginia requires landlords to provide written notice and obtain a court judgment before removing any tenant.
How Virginia treats Eviction
Landlords must serve written notice (typically 30 days for non-payment, 30 days for lease violations) before filing for eviction in district court. The tenant has the right to appear and defend against the eviction claim. If the court rules in the landlord's favor, the tenant receives a 10-day appeal period before the eviction becomes final. Virginia law treats eviction as a civil action requiring full judicial process.
The general definition of Eviction
The legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from rental property.
Eviction is the formal legal process a landlord uses to force a tenant to leave the property. The landlord must have a valid reason—such as non-payment of rent, lease violation, or the end of the lease term—and must follow strict procedural rules, which vary by state. Typically, the landlord must give written notice (often 30 days or more), file a case in court, and obtain a judgment from a judge before the tenant can be physically removed. A tenant has the right to defend themselves in court and present their side of the story.
Read the full Eviction entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.