VA · TenantClaim
Virginia Security Deposit Return Laws & Calculator
Landlords generally have 45 calendar days to return a deposit under Virginia Code Section 55.1-1226. Use the calculator to check overdue status and estimated recovery.
Virginia deposit calculator
Statutory math from Virginia Code Section 55.1-1226.
Ready to Calculate Your Rights
Enter your lease dates and deposit amounts to instantly evaluate:
- State statutory return deadline & overdue status
- Treble (3x) or double (2x) bad-faith penalty eligibility
- Small claims court limit & demand letter generation
Bad-faith penalties
Virginia requires return of the deposit and an itemized statement within 45 days (Va. Code § 55.1-1226). There is no statewide 2x/3x multiplier; the tenant may recover actual damages plus attorney's fees if the landlord's withholding is in bad faith.
Multiplier: 0x
Wear and tear vs. unlawful deductions
Normal Wear & Tear
Landlord cannot deduct
- Faded or scuffed interior paint from ordinary occupancy in Virginia
- Carpet wear or flattening in high-traffic pathways from normal foot traffic
- Small nail or pin holes from hanging pictures or curtains
Unlawful Deductions
These charges are illegal
- Charging for ordinary wear and tear instead of damage beyond normal use under Virginia Code Section 55.1-1226
- Keeping any part of the deposit without sending the required itemized statement within 45 calendar days
- Deducting for conditions that existed before move-in or that the landlord was obligated to repair
Small claims court filing limits
$5,000
Claims above this Virginia ceiling may need District or Civil Court, or a voluntary reduction to stay in small claims.
View Full Virginia Small Claims Court & Official Form GuideVirginia security deposit FAQ
How long does a Virginia landlord have to return my deposit?+
Virginia generally requires return within 45 calendar days after move-out under Virginia Code Section 55.1-1226. If the deadline falls on a weekend, TenantClaim rolls it to the next Monday.
What happens if the landlord keeps my deposit in bad faith?+
Virginia requires return of the deposit and an itemized statement within 45 days (Va. Code § 55.1-1226). There is no statewide 2x/3x multiplier; the tenant may recover actual damages plus attorney's fees if the landlord's withholding is in bad faith.
What is the Virginia small claims limit?+
Most tenants can file in small claims court for up to $5,000. Larger recoveries may need District or Civil Court, or a voluntary reduction of the claim.
Does the landlord have to send an itemized list?+
Yes. Virginia requires an itemized deduction statement. Withholding money without that statement is a common unlawful deduction.