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Bill

SB 355

Local anti-rent gouging authority; civil penalty.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 2 co-sponsors

SB 355 authorizes Virginia localities to establish rent-gouging laws with civil penalties, shifting housing regulation from state to local control.

Continued to next session in Local Government (11-Y 4-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 355

Legislative bill overview

SB 355 grants Virginia localities the authority to enact and enforce their own rent-gouging prevention measures, including the ability to impose civil penalties on landlords who engage in excessive rent increases. The bill would allow individual cities and counties to set their own thresholds for what constitutes illegal rent gouging rather than relying on state-level regulation.

Why is this important

Housing affordability is a pressing concern in many Virginia communities, and this bill would give local governments a tool to respond to rapid rent increases that destabilize renters and communities. The measure reflects a broader tension between state preemption and local control over housing policy, a debate increasingly common as rental markets tighten nationwide.

Potential points of contention

  • State preemption concerns: Virginia has historically maintained strong state-level control over rental housing law; this expands local authority in ways that could create inconsistent regulations across jurisdictions
  • Definition ambiguity: "Rent gouging" lacks a universally agreed-upon definition, and different localities may set vastly different thresholds, creating compliance challenges for large landlords operating across regions
  • Housing supply effects: Critics argue that rent controls and anti-gouging measures may discourage new construction and property investment, potentially worsening long-term affordability despite short-term tenant protections

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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