VirginiaHB6162026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; tenant records.

Sponsored By: Bonita G. Anthony (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Department of Housing and Community Development; Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; tenant records. Requires a landlord, upon written request by a tenant, to within 10 business days provide such tenant a statement containing all charges and payments incurred by the tenant over the duration of the tenancy or the past 12 months, whichever is shorter. The bill specifies that such statement shall itemize separately rent and the cost of each utility and that the landlord is not obligated to provide such written statement if the landlord owns fewer than four rental dwelling units or less than a 10 percent interest in more than four rental dwelling units, whether individually or through a business entity, in the Commonwealth unless the landlord receives any state or local rental or utility assistance funds on behalf of the tenant. The bill additionally directs the Department of Housing and Community Development to, based on input from relevant stakeholders, develop a standardized printable template for the landlord to use to provide the tenant such written statement. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More energy help for low-income homes

Beginning July 1, 2027, the state uses 15% of Virginia’s LIHEAP block grant for home weatherization and related services for low‑income households, following federal rules. This includes any contingency and carryover funds.

Stronger tenant records, notices, privacy

Beginning July 1, 2027, you can get copies of your tenant records on paper or electronically. If you ask in writing, your landlord must give an itemized statement within 10 business days for your tenancy or last 12 months and give free access to any online portal. If utilities are submetered or allocated, the statement must show the method and list debits and credits. Small landlords with fewer than four units are exempt unless they received state or local rent or utility aid for you. You may name a third person to get duplicate legal notices; that person cannot act for you. The state also posts plain‑language rights (at least 14‑point, with legal aid contact), a sample termination notice, and a printable charges template. Your information is private and can be shared only in specific cases listed in the law.

Targeted housing help and education

Beginning July 1, 2027, the state sets rules for a statewide homeless intervention program. It also builds plans to expand affordable, accessible homes with services for older adults and people with disabilities, and to improve housing for people leaving correctional facilities. The agency runs public education and counseling to help families prepare for homeownership and improve rental housing management.

State housing planner and data hub

Beginning July 1, 2027, Virginia’s housing agency is the statewide planner and information hub. It collects and publishes local planning data, gives technical help, and runs a statewide housing needs study every five years with annual updates. The agency makes a statewide housing plan with measurable goals, updates it at least every five years, and reports yearly to the General Assembly, including on accessible housing. It also coordinates state housing programs, federal community grants, and state aid, shares funding options with localities, and runs a new online Sites and Structures Locator to market housing sites. The Director also serves as Executive Director of the Commission on Local Government.

Stronger oversight of Housing Trust Fund

Beginning July 1, 2027, the housing agency sets program rules for the Virginia Housing Trust Fund, selects applications, and handles loan and grant documents, closings, servicing, and monitoring. The Director also advises the Fund’s Board on investments and policies. These steps shape who can get Trust Fund loans or grants and how projects are financed.

Limited landlord liability for record vendors

Beginning July 1, 2027, landlords and managers may use third‑party services to keep tenant records. They are not liable for a provider’s data breach unless the landlord or manager was grossly negligent or acted intentionally. The law does not require them to indemnify the provider.

Support for public drinking water systems

Beginning July 1, 2027, the housing agency and the Department of Health run state assistance programs for public water supply systems. The goal is to keep drinking water safe and reliable for communities.

Joint administration of private activity bonds

Beginning July 1, 2027, the state housing agency jointly administers Private Activity Bonds with two financing authorities. These tax‑exempt bonds help finance housing and development projects.

Building and energy code rules and training

Beginning July 1, 2027, the state administers the Industrialized Building Safety Law and the Uniform Statewide Building Code and runs a Building Code Academy to train officials and builders. The agency also puts required federal energy standards for existing buildings into state rules. These steps improve safety and can lower energy use but may add compliance costs for owners and builders.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bonita G. Anthony

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 223 • No: 98

House vote 3/11/2026

Senate amendments agreed to by House

Yes: 65 • No: 33

Senate vote 3/10/2026

General Laws and Technology Amendment agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/10/2026

Passed Senate with amendments

Yes: 21 • No: 19

Senate vote 3/6/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/6/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/4/2026

Reported from General Laws and Technology with amendments

Yes: 10 • No: 5

House vote 2/9/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 64 • No: 34

House vote 2/3/2026

Reported from General Laws with amendment(s)

Yes: 16 • No: 5

House vote 1/29/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 8 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0640)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 640 (Effective 7/1/2027)

    4/13/2026Governor
  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB616)

    4/1/2026House
  4. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/31/2026Governor
  5. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

    3/31/2026House
  6. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House
  7. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB616ER)

    3/30/2026House
  8. Enrolled

    3/30/2026House
  9. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate
  10. Senate amendments agreed to by House (65-Y 33-N 0-A)

    3/11/2026House
  11. Passed Senate with amendments (21-Y 19-N 0-A)

    3/10/2026Senate
  12. General Laws and Technology Amendment agreed to

    3/10/2026Senate
  13. Engrossed by Senate as amended

    3/10/2026Senate
  14. Read third time

    3/10/2026Senate
  15. Passed by for the day

    3/9/2026Senate
  16. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    3/6/2026Senate
  17. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/6/2026Senate
  18. Rules suspended

    3/6/2026Senate
  19. Reported from General Laws and Technology with amendments (10-Y 5-N)

    3/4/2026Senate
  20. Senate committee offered

    3/3/2026Senate
  21. Senate committee offered

    3/3/2026Senate
  22. Assigned GL&T sub: Housing

    2/25/2026Senate
  23. Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology

    2/10/2026Senate
  24. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/10/2026Senate
  25. Read third time and passed House (64-Y 34-N 0-A)

    2/9/2026House

Bill Text

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