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HB 1078

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; adverse action by landlord, tenant remedies.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Hernandez

HB 1078 expands tenant legal remedies against Virginia landlord retaliation and adverse actions, strengthening protections for tenants who report housing problems.

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Bill Summary · HB 1078

Legislative bill overview

HB 1078 modifies Virginia's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to expand tenant remedies against landlord retaliation and adverse actions. The bill clarifies what constitutes prohibited landlord actions and establishes additional legal protections or remedies available to tenants when landlords take adverse actions against them.

Why is this important

Landlord-tenant relationships involve significant power imbalances, as tenants depend on housing for stability while landlords control whether tenants can remain. Strengthening tenant remedies against retaliation—such as rent increases, eviction, or reduced services following complaints about conditions or repairs—provides practical recourse for tenants to report serious housing problems without fear of losing their homes.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord concerns: Expanded tenant remedies and retaliation protections could increase litigation costs, restrict landlords' ability to manage properties, and potentially incentivize frivolous claims by tenants seeking legal leverage
  • Remedy scope: Disagreement over which specific remedies are appropriate (damages, rent abatement, lease termination rights) and whether they adequately balance tenant protection with landlord property rights
  • Definition clarity: The amendment process suggests debate over how precisely "adverse action" and retaliatory intent are defined, affecting how courts would interpret and enforce the law

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

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