{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/55.1-1209.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/55.1-1209.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/55.1-1209.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/55.1-1209.html"}],"law_id":81763,"edition_id":1,"section_id":81763,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1209","catch_line":"Confidentiality of tenant records","history":"1985, c. 567, \u00a7 55-248.9:1; 2000, c. 760; 2003, c. 426; 2006, cc. 491, 667; 2008, c. 489; 2010, c. 550; 2015, c. 596; 2016, c. 744; 2018, c. 221; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 388.","full_text":"A\n\nNo landlord or managing agent shall release information about a tenant or prospective tenant in the possession of the landlord or managing agent to a third party unless:1\n\nThe tenant or prospective tenant has given prior written consent;2\n\nThe information is a matter of public record as defined in § 2.2-3701;3\n\nThe information is a summary of the tenant’s rent payment record, including the amount of the tenant’s periodic rent payment;4\n\nThe information is a copy of a material noncompliance notice that has not been remedied or a termination notice given to the tenant under § 55.1-1245 and the tenant did not remain in the premises after such notice was given;5\n\nThe information is requested by a local, state, or federal law-enforcement or public safety official in the performance of his duties;6\n\nThe information is requested pursuant to a subpoena in a civil case;7\n\nThe information is requested by a local commissioner of the revenue in accordance with § 58.1-3901;8\n\nThe information is requested by a contract purchaser of the landlord’s property, provided that the contract purchaser agrees in writing to maintain the confidentiality of such information;9\n\nThe information is requested by a lender of the landlord for financing or refinancing of the property;10\n\nThe information is requested by the commanding officer, military housing officer, or military attorney of the tenant;11\n\nThe third party is the landlord’s attorney or the landlord’s collection agency;12\n\nThe information is otherwise provided in the case of an emergency;13\n\nThe information is requested by the landlord to be provided to the managing agent or a successor to the managing agent; or14\n\nThe information is requested by an employee or independent contractor of the United States to obtain census information pursuant to federal law.B\n\nAny information received by a landlord pursuant to § 55.1-1203 shall remain a confidential tenant record and shall not be released to any person except in response to a subpoena.C\n\nA tenant may designate a third party to receive duplicate copies of a summons that has been issued pursuant to § 8.01-126 and of written notices from the landlord relating to the tenancy. Where such a third party has been designated by the tenant, the landlord shall mail the duplicate copy of any summons issued pursuant to § 8.01-126 or notice to the designated third party at the same time the summons or notice is mailed to or served upon the tenant. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to grant standing to any third party designated by the tenant to challenge actions of the landlord in which notice was mailed pursuant to this subsection. The failure of the landlord to give notice to a third party designated by the tenant shall not affect the validity of any judgment entered against the tenant.D\n\nA landlord or managing agent may enter into an agreement with a third-party service provider to maintain tenant records in electronic form or other medium. In such case, the landlord and managing agent shall not be liable under this section in the event of a breach of the electronic data of such third-party service provider, except in the case of gross negligence or intentional act. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a landlord or managing agent to indemnify such third-party service provider.E\n\nA tenant may request a copy of his tenant records in paper or electronic form. If the rental agreement so provides, a landlord may charge a tenant requesting more than one copy of his records the actual costs of preparing copies of such records. However, if the landlord makes available tenant records to each tenant by electronic portal, the tenant shall not be required to pay for access to such portal.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":292909,"text":"No landlord or managing agent shall release information about a tenant or prospective tenant in the possession of the landlord or managing agent to a third party unless:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":292910,"text":"The tenant or prospective tenant has given prior written consent;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":292911,"text":"The information is a matter of public record as defined in § 2.2-3701;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":292912,"text":"The information is a summary of the tenant’s rent payment record, including the amount of the tenant’s periodic rent payment;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":292913,"text":"The information is a copy of a material noncompliance notice that has not been remedied or a termination notice given to the tenant under § 55.1-1245 and the tenant did not remain in the premises after such notice was given;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":292914,"text":"The information is requested by a local, state, or federal law-enforcement or public safety official in the performance of his duties;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":292915,"text":"The information is requested pursuant to a subpoena in a civil case;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"A7"},"7":{"id":292916,"text":"The information is requested by a local commissioner of the revenue in accordance with § 58.1-3901;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"A7","prefix_anchor":"A7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"A8"},"8":{"id":292917,"text":"The information is requested by a contract purchaser of the landlord’s property, provided that the contract purchaser agrees in writing to maintain the confidentiality of such information;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"A8","prefix_anchor":"A8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A7","next_prefix":"A9"},"9":{"id":292918,"text":"The information is requested by a lender of the landlord for financing or refinancing of the property;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"A9","prefix_anchor":"A9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A8","next_prefix":"A10"},"10":{"id":292919,"text":"The information is requested by the commanding officer, military housing officer, or military attorney of the tenant;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"A10","prefix_anchor":"A10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A9","next_prefix":"A11"},"11":{"id":292920,"text":"The third party is the landlord’s attorney or the landlord’s collection agency;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"A11","prefix_anchor":"A11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A10","next_prefix":"A12"},"12":{"id":292921,"text":"The information is otherwise provided in the case of an emergency;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"A12","prefix_anchor":"A12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A11","next_prefix":"A13"},"13":{"id":292922,"text":"The information is requested by the landlord to be provided to the managing agent or a successor to the managing agent; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","13"],"prefix":"13","entire_prefix":"A13","prefix_anchor":"A13","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A12","next_prefix":"A14"},"14":{"id":292923,"text":"The information is requested by an employee or independent contractor of the United States to obtain census information pursuant to federal law.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","14"],"prefix":"14","entire_prefix":"A14","prefix_anchor":"A14","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A13","next_prefix":"B"},"15":{"id":292924,"text":"Any information received by a landlord pursuant to § 55.1-1203 shall remain a confidential tenant record and shall not be released to any person except in response to a subpoena.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A14","next_prefix":"C"},"16":{"id":292925,"text":"A tenant may designate a third party to receive duplicate copies of a summons that has been issued pursuant to § 8.01-126 and of written notices from the landlord relating to the tenancy. Where such a third party has been designated by the tenant, the landlord shall mail the duplicate copy of any summons issued pursuant to § 8.01-126 or notice to the designated third party at the same time the summons or notice is mailed to or served upon the tenant. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to grant standing to any third party designated by the tenant to challenge actions of the landlord in which notice was mailed pursuant to this subsection. The failure of the landlord to give notice to a third party designated by the tenant shall not affect the validity of any judgment entered against the tenant.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"17":{"id":292926,"text":"A landlord or managing agent may enter into an agreement with a third-party service provider to maintain tenant records in electronic form or other medium. In such case, the landlord and managing agent shall not be liable under this section in the event of a breach of the electronic data of such third-party service provider, except in the case of gross negligence or intentional act. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a landlord or managing agent to indemnify such third-party service provider.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"18":{"id":292927,"text":"A tenant may request a copy of his tenant records in paper or electronic form. If the rental agreement so provides, a landlord may charge a tenant requesting more than one copy of his records the actual costs of preparing copies of such records. However, if the landlord makes available tenant records to each tenant by electronic portal, the tenant shall not be required to pay for access to such portal.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15277,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14100,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:53:32","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:53:32","permalink":{"id":245887,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15277,"identifier":"1","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1","url":"\/55.1\/III\/12\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14100,"edition_id":1,"name":"Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act","identifier":"12","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13073,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:53","permalink":{"id":245885,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14100,"identifier":"12","token":"55.1\/III\/12","url":"\/55.1\/III\/12\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13073,"edition_id":1,"name":"Rental Conveyances","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12707,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:14","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:14","permalink":{"id":245883,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13073,"identifier":"III","token":"55.1\/III","url":"\/55.1\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12707,"edition_id":1,"name":"Property and Conveyances","identifier":"55.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":244769,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12707,"identifier":"55.1","token":"55.1","url":"\/55.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":61413,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1200","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/55.1-1200\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1200","metadata":false},{"id":83636,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1201","catch_line":"Applicability of chapter; local authority","url":"\/55.1-1201\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1201","metadata":false},{"id":69095,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1202","catch_line":"Notice","url":"\/55.1-1202\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1202","metadata":false},{"id":58146,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1203","catch_line":"Application; deposit, fee, and additional information","url":"\/55.1-1203\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1203","metadata":false},{"id":82906,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1204","catch_line":"Terms and conditions of rental agreement; payment of rent; copy of rental agreement for tenant","url":"\/55.1-1204\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1204","metadata":false},{"id":84327,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1204.1","catch_line":"Fee disclosure statement","url":"\/55.1-1204.1\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1204.1","metadata":false},{"id":62292,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1205","catch_line":"Prepaid rent; maintenance of escrow account","url":"\/55.1-1205\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1205","metadata":false},{"id":68710,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1206","catch_line":"Landlord may obtain certain insurance for tenant","url":"\/55.1-1206\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1206","metadata":false},{"id":60062,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1207","catch_line":"Effect of unsigned or undelivered rental agreement","url":"\/55.1-1207\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1207","metadata":false},{"id":64224,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1208","catch_line":"Prohibited provisions in rental agreements","url":"\/55.1-1208\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1208","metadata":false},{"id":67212,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1208.1","catch_line":"Rental agreements; child care","url":"\/55.1-1208.1\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1208.1","metadata":false},{"id":81763,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1209","catch_line":"Confidentiality of tenant records","url":"\/55.1-1209\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1209","metadata":false},{"id":67680,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1209.1","catch_line":"Employees of the landlord; rental dwelling unit keys and electronic key codes; policies and procedures","url":"\/55.1-1209.1\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1209.1","metadata":false},{"id":75393,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1210","catch_line":"Landlord and tenant remedies for abuse of access","url":"\/55.1-1210\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1210","metadata":false},{"id":65452,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1211","catch_line":"Appointment of resident agent by nonresident property owner; service of process, etc., on such agent or on Secretary of the Commonwealth","url":"\/55.1-1211\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1211","metadata":false},{"id":67894,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1212","catch_line":"Energy submetering, energy allocation equipment, sewer and water submetering equipment, and ratio utility billing systems; local government fees","url":"\/55.1-1212\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1212","metadata":false},{"id":61504,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1213","catch_line":"Transfer of deposits upon purchase","url":"\/55.1-1213\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1213","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":67212,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1208.1","catch_line":"Rental agreements; child care","url":"\/55.1-1208.1\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1208.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":67680,"structure_id":15277,"section_number":"55.1-1209.1","catch_line":"Employees of the landlord; rental dwelling unit keys and electronic key codes; policies and procedures","url":"\/55.1-1209.1\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1209.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/55.1-1209\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1985. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 567 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1985 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 10 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2000, chapter 760<\/a>; in 2003, chapter 426<\/a>; in 2006, chapters 491<\/a> and 667<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 489<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 550<\/a>; in 2015, chapter 596<\/a>; in 2016, chapter 744<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 221<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 712<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 388<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":62411,"section_number":"2.2-3701","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3701\/"},{"id":58146,"section_number":"55.1-1203","catch_line":"Application; deposit, fee, and additional information","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1203\/"},{"id":60662,"section_number":"55.1-1245","catch_line":"(Effective the later of July 1, 2028, or 7 years after the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency expires) Noncompliance with rental agreement; monetary penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1245\/"},{"id":74330,"section_number":"58.1-3901","catch_line":"Apartment house, office building, shopping center, trailer camp, trailer court, self-service storage facility, marina, airport, and other owners or operators to file lists of tenants","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3901\/"},{"id":56320,"section_number":"8.01-126","catch_line":"Summons for unlawful detainer issued by magistrate or clerk or judge of a general district court","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-126\/"}],"permalink":{"id":245933,"object_type":"law","relational_id":81763,"identifier":"55.1-1209","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1209","url":"\/55.1-1209\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/55.1-1209\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/1\/55.1-1209","dublin_core":{"Title":"Confidentiality of tenant records","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 55.1-1209","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> No landlord<\/span> or managing agent<\/span> shall release information about a tenant<\/span> or prospective tenant<\/span> in the possession<\/span> of the landlord<\/span> or managing agent<\/span> to a third party<\/span> unless: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The tenant<\/span> or prospective tenant<\/span> has given prior written consent; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The information is a matter of public record as defined in § 2.2-3701<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The information is a summary of the tenant<\/span>’s rent<\/span> payment record, including the amount of the tenant<\/span>’s periodic rent<\/span> payment; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The information is a copy of a material<\/span> noncompliance notice<\/span> that has not been remedied or a termination notice<\/span> given to the tenant<\/span> under § 55.1-1245<\/a> and the tenant<\/span> did not remain in the premises<\/span> after such notice<\/span> was given; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The information is requested by a local, state, or federal law<\/span>-enforcement or public safety official in the performance of his duties; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> The information is requested pursuant to a subpoena<\/span> in a civil case; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> The information is requested by a local commissioner of the revenue in accordance with § 58.1-3901<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> The information is requested by a contract<\/span> purchaser of the landlord<\/span>’s property, provided that the contract<\/span> purchaser agrees in writing to maintain the confidentiality of such information; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> The information is requested by a lender of the landlord<\/span> for financing or refinancing of the property; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> The information is requested by the commanding officer, military housing officer, or military attorney of the tenant<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> The third party<\/span> is the landlord<\/span>’s attorney or the landlord<\/span>’s collection agency; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> The information is otherwise provided in the case of an emergency; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

13.<\/span> The information is requested by the landlord<\/span> to be provided to the managing agent<\/span> or a successor to the managing agent<\/span>; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

14.<\/span> The information is requested by an employee or independent contractor of the United States to obtain census information pursuant to federal law<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any information received by a landlord<\/span> pursuant to § 55.1-1203<\/a> shall remain a confidential tenant<\/span> record and shall not be released to any person<\/span> except in response to a subpoena<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> A tenant<\/span> may designate a third party<\/span> to receive duplicate copies of a summons<\/span> that has been issued pursuant to § 8.01-126<\/a> and of written notices<\/span> from the landlord<\/span> relating to the tenancy. Where such a third party<\/span> has been designated by the tenant<\/span>, the landlord<\/span> shall mail the duplicate copy of any summons<\/span> issued pursuant to § 8.01-126<\/a> or notice<\/span> to the designated third party<\/span> at the same time the summons<\/span> or notice<\/span> is mailed to or served upon the tenant<\/span>. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to grant standing to any third party<\/span> designated by the tenant<\/span> to challenge actions<\/span> of the landlord<\/span> in which notice<\/span> was mailed pursuant to this subsection. The failure of the landlord<\/span> to give notice<\/span> to a third party<\/span> designated by the tenant<\/span> shall not affect the validity of any judgment<\/span> entered against the tenant<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> A landlord<\/span> or managing agent<\/span> may enter into an agreement with a third-party<\/span> service provider to maintain tenant records<\/span> in electronic form or other medium. In such case, the landlord<\/span> and managing agent<\/span> shall not be liable under this section in the event of a breach of the electronic data of such third-party<\/span> service provider, except in the case of gross negligence<\/span> or intentional act. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a landlord<\/span> or managing agent<\/span> to indemnify such third-party<\/span> service provider. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> A tenant may request a copy of his tenant records<\/span> in paper or electronic form. If the rental agreement<\/span> so provides, a landlord<\/span> may charge a tenant requesting more than one copy of his records the actual costs of preparing copies of such records. However, if the landlord<\/span> makes available tenant records<\/span> to each tenant by electronic portal, the tenant shall not be required to pay for access to such portal. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCONFIDENTIALITY OF TENANT RECORDS (\u00a7 55.1-1209)\n\nA. No landlord or managing agent shall release information about a tenant or\nprospective tenant in the possession of the landlord or managing agent to a\nthird party unless:\n\n 1. The tenant or prospective tenant has given prior written consent;\n\n 2. The information is a matter of public record as defined in § 2.2-3701;\n\n 3. The information is a summary of the tenant’s rent payment record,\n including the amount of the tenant’s periodic rent payment;\n\n 4. The information is a copy of a material noncompliance notice that has not\n been remedied or a termination notice given to the tenant under §\n 55.1-1245 and the tenant did not remain in the premises after such notice was\n given;\n\n 5. The information is requested by a local, state, or federal law-enforcement\n or public safety official in the performance of his duties;\n\n 6. The information is requested pursuant to a subpoena in a civil case;\n\n 7. The information is requested by a local commissioner of the revenue in\n accordance with § 58.1-3901;\n\n 8. The information is requested by a contract purchaser of the\n landlord’s property, provided that the contract purchaser agrees in\n writing to maintain the confidentiality of such information;\n\n 9. The information is requested by a lender of the landlord for financing or\n refinancing of the property;\n\n 10. The information is requested by the commanding officer, military housing\n officer, or military attorney of the tenant;\n\n 11. The third party is the landlord’s attorney or the landlord’s\n collection agency;\n\n 12. The information is otherwise provided in the case of an emergency;\n\n 13. The information is requested by the landlord to be provided to the\n managing agent or a successor to the managing agent; or\n\n 14. The information is requested by an employee or independent contractor of\n the United States to obtain census information pursuant to federal law.\n\nB. Any information received by a landlord pursuant to § 55.1-1203 shall\nremain a confidential tenant record and shall not be released to any person\nexcept in response to a subpoena.\n\nC. A tenant may designate a third party to receive duplicate copies of a summons\nthat has been issued pursuant to § 8.01-126 and of written notices from the\nlandlord relating to the tenancy. Where such a third party has been designated\nby the tenant, the landlord shall mail the duplicate copy of any summons issued\npursuant to § 8.01-126 or notice to the designated third party at the same\ntime the summons or notice is mailed to or served upon the tenant. Nothing in\nthis subsection shall be construed to grant standing to any third party\ndesignated by the tenant to challenge actions of the landlord in which notice\nwas mailed pursuant to this subsection. The failure of the landlord to give\nnotice to a third party designated by the tenant shall not affect the validity\nof any judgment entered against the tenant.\n\nD. A landlord or managing agent may enter into an agreement with a third-party\nservice provider to maintain tenant records in electronic form or other medium.\nIn such case, the landlord and managing agent shall not be liable under this\nsection in the event of a breach of the electronic data of such third-party\nservice provider, except in the case of gross negligence or intentional act.\nNothing in this section shall be construed to require a landlord or managing\nagent to indemnify such third-party service provider.\n\nE. A tenant may request a copy of his tenant records in paper or electronic\nform. If the rental agreement so provides, a landlord may charge a tenant\nrequesting more than one copy of his records the actual costs of preparing\ncopies of such records. However, if the landlord makes available tenant records\nto each tenant by electronic portal, the tenant shall not be required to pay for\naccess to such portal.\n\nHISTORY: 1985, c. 567, \u00a7 55-248.9:1; 2000, c. 760; 2003, c. 426; 2006, cc. 491,\n667; 2008, c. 489; 2010, c. 550; 2015, c. 596; 2016, c. 744; 2018, c. 221; 2019,\nc. 712; 2020, c. 388.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}