Virginia Eviction Notice for Unpaid Rent

What Virginia law says

• 55.1-1245(F): tenant fails to pay within 14 days after written notice is served.
• The notice must state the nonpayment and the landlord's intention to terminate if rent is not paid within the 14-day period.
• The handbook says the pay or quit period was extended from 5 days to 14 days (updates for July 1, 2026).
• Handbook 55.1-1202(E): the notice must include a written statement of charges and payments.
• The statute says only that the notice must be served, with no method given.

Steps for a landlord

• Prepare a written notice with the unpaid amounts and your intent to terminate.
• Serve it and keep proof of service.
• Allow the full 14 days.
• Then seek possession under 55.1-1251.

What to put in the notice

• The names of the tenants and the address of the rental
• The amount of rent owed and the rental period it covers
• The number of days the tenant has to pay or move out, and the date that period ends
• The date, how the notice was delivered, and who delivered it
• Your name and contact details, with your signature

Things to watch

• Landlords with more than four units face payment plan rules in versions effective July 1, 2027.
• The page does not say how the 14 days are counted; check the statute or a local attorney.
• Cities and counties can add their own rules, including rent control and extra notice requirements. Check your local rules too.

About this page

We checked this page against the official sources listed below in November 2026. Where an official page did not say something, we say so. Laws change and courts read them differently, so confirm the current rule with the statute, the court or a local attorney before you act. This is general information, not legal advice.