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Bill

HB 1005

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; rental payment methods, prohibited fees.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 6 co-sponsors

HB 1005 restricts Virginia landlords from charging fees on rental payments and mandates acceptance of specified payment methods, protecting tenants from excessive charges.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 722 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 1005

Legislative bill overview

HB 1005 amends Virginia's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to regulate how landlords can accept rent payments and what fees they may charge tenants. The bill restricts landlords' ability to impose fees on certain payment methods and likely requires acceptance of specific payment options, standardizing rental payment practices across the state.

Why is this important

Rental payment fees—particularly on electronic payments—can substantially increase housing costs for tenants already facing affordability challenges. Standardizing payment methods and prohibiting excessive fees protects vulnerable renters from predatory practices while clarifying landlord obligations, potentially reducing disputes and payment processing disputes.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord operational costs: Property managers argue that certain payment methods (online transfers, third-party processors) carry legitimate processing fees that should be passable to tenants, and restricting fee recovery increases their business expenses
  • Payment method mandates: Requiring acceptance of specific payment options (like electronic payments) may burden smaller landlords with system integration costs and cybersecurity responsibilities
  • Enforcement mechanisms: The bill's amendment history suggests dispute over what penalties or remedies apply when landlords violate payment method or fee restrictions, affecting practical enforceability

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

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