HB281
Va. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; defense to action for possessions for nonpayment of rent
Status:
In House
Latest Action:
Feb. 3, 2026
House: Reported from General Laws with amendment(s) (15-Y 6-N)
Chief Patron:
Katrina Callsen (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; noncompliance as defense to action for possession for nonpayment of rent.
Removes the provision requiring that a tenant in possession of a dwelling unit, prior to asserting a defense against an action for rent or possession, pay into court the amount of rent found by the court to be due and unpaid and for such amount to be held by the ... (More) court pending the issuance of an order. The bill also limits the discretion of the court in actions for possession based upon nonpayment of rent and actions for rent by a landlord when the tenant is in possession of a dwelling unit. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/09/2026 - House: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26101499D
- 01/09/2026 - House: Referred to Committee on General Laws
- 01/23/2026 - House: Assigned HGL sub: Housing/Consumer Protection
- 01/23/2026 - House: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB281)
- 01/28/2026 - House: Placed on General Laws Agenda
- 01/29/2026 - House: Subcommittee recommends reporting (7-Y 3-N)
- 02/02/2026 - House: Placed on General Laws Agenda
- 02/03/2026 - House: House committee offered
- 02/03/2026 - House: Reported from General Laws with amendment(s) (15-Y 6-N)
