Virginia 45 + 15 Day Contractor Damage Rule

Virginia can extend the damage-itemization timeline by 15 days, but only in the specific case where the premises damages exceed the deposit, require a third-party contractor and the landlord gives the required written notice during the original 45-day period.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20261 official source cited

Initial noticeWithin 45 days

The landlord must advise the tenant that qualifying contractor damage exists.

Additional period15 days

For the itemization and repair cost after the qualifying notice.

Do not treat this as a universal 60-day rule

The additional period is tied to the statute’s specific contractor-damage conditions. A routine deposit accounting does not automatically receive 60 days.

Timeline detail: the normal 45-day rule and the narrow contractor extension are separate. Do not assume every Virginia landlord automatically has 60 days.

Official sources

Virginia General Assembly — Virginia LawVirginia Code § 55.1-1226 — Security deposits ↗

Primary law for the two-month cap, 45-day disposition, inspection rights, deduction records, utility holdbacks and damage-insurance option.

Related Virginia guides

Security Deposit →Two-Month Deposit Limit →45-Day Deposit Rule →Move-Out Inspection →