Owning a rental property in Richmond, VA is a great investment, but it also comes with serious legal responsibilities. One of the most critical obligations for landlords is ensuring rental property disclosures are properly communicated to prospective tenants before they sign a lease agreement.
Failing to provide the required landlord disclosures can lead to civil and criminal fines, legal disputes, and even a tenant's right to terminate the lease. To help you stay compliant, we’re breaking down exactly what landlords must disclose under federal, state, and local laws in Richmond, VA.
Why Rental Property Disclosures Matter
Landlord disclosures protect both property owners and tenants by ensuring that all parties have the necessary information to make informed decisions. Failure to disclose critical details can result in actual damages, penalties, or even lawsuits in small claims court.
By properly disclosing information, landlords provide tenants with clear expectations, reducing conflicts and improving landlord-tenant relationships.
7 Legally Required Disclosures in Richmond, VA
1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal Law)
Under federal law, if your rental unit was built before 1978, you must provide prospective tenants with a lead paint disclosure. This includes:
- A written disclosure about any known lead-based paint hazards.
- An EPA-approved lead poisoning information pamphlet.
- A lease agreement addendum warning about potential risks.
Failure to disclose lead-based paint could result in civil fines, lawsuits, and even criminal fines.
2. Flood Zone Disclosure
If your rental property is in a special flood hazard area, you must notify prospective tenants in writing. You should also provide information about flood insurance and potential flooding risks.
Tenants have the right to understand whether they’re living in a flood zone, as flooding can significantly impact their rent payments and safety.
3. Security Deposit and Nonrefundable Fees
Virginia law requires landlords to clearly outline:
- Security deposit terms, including refund conditions.
- Any nonrefundable fees (such as an application fee or pet deposit).
This must be included in the rental agreement to avoid disputes when a tenant moves out.
4. Landlord Contact Information
Landlords must provide tenants with:
- The full name and address of the person or property manager responsible for repairs and rent collection.
- Contact details for receiving legal papers, notices, and lease signing documents.
If a new owner takes over the property, the new tenants must be notified within 30 days.
5. Housing Code Violations & Environmental Hazards
If a rental unit has outstanding housing code violations, landlords must provide tenants with written documentation. Additionally, landlords must disclose:
- Asbestos, mold, or toxic mold hazards.
- Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors installation.
- Any history of methamphetamine production on the property.
Failure to disclose these issues can result in legal penalties, financial liability, and the tenant’s right to terminate the lease.
6. Smoking Policy & Pest Control
Landlords must inform tenants about:
- Whether smoking is permitted in the dwelling unit or common areas.
- Any known pest control issues, including bed bugs.
Virginia law requires proper disclosures if a property owner is aware of bed bug infestations before a tenant moves in.
7. Presence of Registered Sex Offenders
While landlords are not directly required to disclose registered sex offenders in the area, they must advise prospective tenants on how to access the registered sexual offender database.
This helps tenants make informed decisions regarding safety before signing a lease agreement.
What Happens If a Landlord Fails to Disclose Information?
If a landlord fails to comply with disclosure statutes, tenants may:
- Terminate the lease without penalty.
- Seek actual damages in small claims court.
- Report violations to the local housing department, which could lead to fines.
- Sue for treble damages (three times the actual amount of financial loss).
Landlords must comply with disclosure laws to avoid criminal fines or jail time in severe cases.
How to Ensure Compliance with Disclosure Requirements
Navigating state and local laws can be complex, especially for landlords managing multiple properties. To stay compliant:
- Use a written disclosure form for all required disclosures.
- Notify tenants of any new local ordinances that impact their rental units.
- Conduct a move-in inspection and provide a move-in checklist to document property conditions.
- Work with a property manager or landlord-tenant attorney to ensure all landlord disclosure agreements meet legal requirements.
At Renter’s Warehouse Richmond, we specialize in rental property management, ensuring landlords must disclose all legally required disclosures while maximizing rental income.
Stay Compliant & Protect Your Investment
Understanding rental property disclosures: what you must legally share with tenants in Richmond, VA is crucial for maintaining a successful rental business. Failure to disclose important information can lead to lawsuits, fines, and potential tenant disputes.
If you want to ensure full compliance without the hassle, our team at Renter’s Warehouse Richmond is here to help. We handle lease agreements, move-in inspections, security deposit management, and more—so you don’t have to worry about state laws or disclosure requirements.
👉 Need expert property management? Contact Us Today and let’s protect your investment together!
