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Bill

HB 329

Va. Residential Landlord & Tenant/Manufactured Home Lot Rental Acts; retaliatory conduct prohibited.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by J.R. Henson and 2 co-sponsors

Prohibits Virginia landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise legal rights like reporting code violations, strengthening tenant protections and housing safety enforcement.

Governor's recommendation received by House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 329

Legislative bill overview

HB 329 amends Virginia's Residential Landlord & Tenant Act and Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act to prohibit landlords from taking retaliatory actions against tenants. The bill strengthens tenant protections by explicitly defining what constitutes retaliation and establishing legal remedies when landlords punish tenants for exercising their legal rights.

Why is this important

Retaliatory conduct—such as eviction, rent increases, or reduced services in response to tenant complaints about code violations or habitability issues—can discourage tenants from reporting unsafe living conditions. This bill protects vulnerable renters from housing instability while potentially improving housing safety standards by ensuring landlords cannot punish good-faith complaints.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord burden and compliance costs: Property owners may argue the bill creates administrative complexity and limits their ability to manage properties, potentially increasing operating costs passed to tenants through higher rents
  • Definition scope and enforcement: Disputes may arise over what actions qualify as retaliation versus legitimate landlord decisions (e.g., distinguishing between retaliatory eviction and eviction for legitimate lease violations)
  • Tenant abuse potential: Landlords may contend that broad retaliation protections could be weaponized by tenants to avoid legitimate consequences for lease violations or non-payment of rent

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

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