{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/55.1-1220.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/55.1-1220.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/55.1-1220.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/55.1-1220.html"}],"law_id":74964,"edition_id":1,"section_id":74964,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1220","catch_line":"Landlord to maintain fit premises","history":"1974, c. 680, \u00a7 55-248.13; 1987, cc. 361, 636; 2000, c. 760; 2004, c. 226; 2007, c. 634; 2008, cc. 489, 640; 2009, c. 663; 2014, c. 632; 2015, c. 274; 2017, c. 730; 2018, cc. 41, 81; 2019, c. 712.","full_text":"A\n\nThe landlord shall:1\n\nComply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety;2\n\nMake all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition;3\n\nKeep all common areas shared by two or more dwelling units of a multifamily premises in a clean and structurally safe condition;4\n\nMaintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by him;5\n\nMaintain the premises in such a condition as to prevent the accumulation of moisture and the growth of mold and promptly respond to any notices from a tenant as provided in subdivision A 10 of § 55.1-1227. Where there is visible evidence of mold, the landlord shall promptly remediate the mold conditions in accordance with the requirements of subsection E of § 8.01-226.12 and reinspect the dwelling unit to confirm that there is no longer visible evidence of mold in the dwelling unit. The landlord shall provide a tenant with a copy of a summary of information related to mold remediation occurring during that tenancy and, upon request of the tenant, make available the full package of such information and reports not protected by attorney-client privilege. Once the mold has been remediated in accordance with professional standards, the landlord shall not be required to make disclosures of a past incidence of mold to subsequent tenants;6\n\nProvide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the collection, storage, and removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of dwelling units and arrange for the removal of same;7\n\nSupply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable air conditioning if provided and heat in season except where the dwelling unit is so constructed that heat, air conditioning, or hot water is generated by an installation within the exclusive control of the tenant or supplied by a direct public utility connection; and8\n\nProvide a certificate to the tenant stating that all smoke alarms are present, have been inspected, and are in good working order no more than once every 12 months. The landlord, his employee, or an independent contractor may perform the inspection to determine that the smoke alarm is in good working order.B\n\nThe landlord shall perform the duties imposed by subsection A in accordance with law; however, the landlord shall only be liable for the tenant’s actual damages proximately caused by the landlord’s failure to exercise ordinary care.C\n\nIf the duty imposed by subdivision A 1 is greater than any duty imposed by any other subdivision of that subsection, the landlord’s duty shall be determined by reference to subdivision A 1.D\n\nThe landlord and tenant may agree in writing that the tenant perform the landlord’s duties specified in subdivisions A 3, 6, and 7 and also specified repairs, maintenance tasks, alterations, and remodeling, but only if the transaction is entered into in good faith and not for the purpose of evading the obligations of the landlord and if the agreement does not diminish or affect the obligation of the landlord to other tenants in the premises.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":269310,"text":"The landlord shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":269311,"text":"Comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":269312,"text":"Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":269313,"text":"Keep all common areas shared by two or more dwelling units of a multifamily premises in a clean and structurally safe condition;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":269314,"text":"Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by him;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":269315,"text":"Maintain the premises in such a condition as to prevent the accumulation of moisture and the growth of mold and promptly respond to any notices from a tenant as provided in subdivision A 10 of § 55.1-1227. Where there is visible evidence of mold, the landlord shall promptly remediate the mold conditions in accordance with the requirements of subsection E of § 8.01-226.12 and reinspect the dwelling unit to confirm that there is no longer visible evidence of mold in the dwelling unit. The landlord shall provide a tenant with a copy of a summary of information related to mold remediation occurring during that tenancy and, upon request of the tenant, make available the full package of such information and reports not protected by attorney-client privilege. Once the mold has been remediated in accordance with professional standards, the landlord shall not be required to make disclosures of a past incidence of mold to subsequent tenants;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":269316,"text":"Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the collection, storage, and removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of dwelling units and arrange for the removal of same;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"A7"},"7":{"id":269317,"text":"Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable air conditioning if provided and heat in season except where the dwelling unit is so constructed that heat, air conditioning, or hot water is generated by an installation within the exclusive control of the tenant or supplied by a direct public utility connection; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"A7","prefix_anchor":"A7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"A8"},"8":{"id":269318,"text":"Provide a certificate to the tenant stating that all smoke alarms are present, have been inspected, and are in good working order no more than once every 12 months. The landlord, his employee, or an independent contractor may perform the inspection to determine that the smoke alarm is in good working order.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"A8","prefix_anchor":"A8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A7","next_prefix":"B"},"9":{"id":269319,"text":"The landlord shall perform the duties imposed by subsection A in accordance with law; however, the landlord shall only be liable for the tenant’s actual damages proximately caused by the landlord’s failure to exercise ordinary care.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A8","next_prefix":"C"},"10":{"id":269320,"text":"If the duty imposed by subdivision A 1 is greater than any duty imposed by any other subdivision of that subsection, the landlord’s duty shall be determined by reference to subdivision A 1.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"11":{"id":269321,"text":"The landlord and tenant may agree in writing that the tenant perform the landlord’s duties specified in subdivisions A 3, 6, and 7 and also specified repairs, maintenance tasks, alterations, and remodeling, but only if the transaction is entered into in good faith and not for the purpose of evading the obligations of the landlord and if the agreement does not diminish or affect the obligation of the landlord to other tenants in the premises.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14444,"edition_id":1,"name":"Landlord Obligations","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14100,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:10","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:10","permalink":{"id":245957,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14444,"identifier":"2","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2","url":"\/55.1\/III\/12\/2\/","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":63685,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1214","catch_line":"Inspection of dwelling unit; report","url":"\/55.1-1214\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1214","metadata":false},{"id":55818,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1215","catch_line":"Disclosure of mold in dwelling units","url":"\/55.1-1215\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1215","metadata":false},{"id":69542,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1216","catch_line":"Disclosure of sale of premises","url":"\/55.1-1216\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1216","metadata":false},{"id":83364,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1217","catch_line":"Required disclosures for properties located adjacent to a military air installation; remedy for nondisclosure","url":"\/55.1-1217\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1217","metadata":false},{"id":74874,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1218","catch_line":"Required disclosures for properties with defective drywall; remedy for nondisclosure","url":"\/55.1-1218\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1218","metadata":false},{"id":68821,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1219","catch_line":"Required disclosures for property previously used to manufacture methamphetamine; remedy for nondisclosure","url":"\/55.1-1219\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1219","metadata":false},{"id":74964,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1220","catch_line":"Landlord to maintain fit premises","url":"\/55.1-1220\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1220","metadata":false},{"id":62652,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1221","catch_line":"Landlord to provide locks and peepholes","url":"\/55.1-1221\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1221","metadata":false},{"id":74610,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1222","catch_line":"Access of tenant to cable, satellite, and other television facilities","url":"\/55.1-1222\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1222","metadata":false},{"id":62503,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1223","catch_line":"Notice to tenants for insecticide or pesticide use","url":"\/55.1-1223\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1223","metadata":false},{"id":84720,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1224","catch_line":"Limitation of liability","url":"\/55.1-1224\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1224","metadata":false},{"id":56454,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1225","catch_line":"Tenancy at will; effect of notice of change of terms or provisions of tenancy","url":"\/55.1-1225\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1225","metadata":false},{"id":55889,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1226","catch_line":"Security deposits","url":"\/55.1-1226\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1226","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":68821,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1219","catch_line":"Required disclosures for property previously used to manufacture methamphetamine; remedy for nondisclosure","url":"\/55.1-1219\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1219","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":62652,"structure_id":14444,"section_number":"55.1-1221","catch_line":"Landlord to provide locks and peepholes","url":"\/55.1-1221\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1221","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/55.1-1220\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1974. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 680 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 1974 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 11 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 1987, chapters 361 and 636; in 2000, chapter 760<\/a>; in 2004, chapter 226<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 634<\/a>; in 2008, chapters 489<\/a> and 640<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 663<\/a>; in 2014, chapter 632<\/a>; in 2015, chapter 274<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 730<\/a>; in 2018, chapters 41<\/a> and 81<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 712<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":63685,"section_number":"55.1-1214","catch_line":"Inspection of dwelling unit; report","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1214\/"},{"id":64337,"section_number":"55.1-1229","catch_line":"Access; consent; correction of nonemergency conditions; relocation of tenant; security systems","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1229\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":63220,"section_number":"55.1-1227","catch_line":"Tenant to maintain dwelling unit","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1227\/"},{"id":58887,"section_number":"8.01-226.12","catch_line":"Duty of landlord and managing agent with respect to visible mold","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-226.12\/"}],"permalink":{"id":245983,"object_type":"law","relational_id":74964,"identifier":"55.1-1220","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1220","url":"\/55.1-1220\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/55.1-1220\/","token":"55.1\/III\/12\/2\/55.1-1220","dublin_core":{"Title":"Landlord to maintain fit premises","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 55.1-1220","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The landlord<\/span> shall: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises<\/span> in a fit and habitable condition; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Keep all common areas shared by two or more dwelling units<\/span> of a multifamily premises<\/span> in a clean and structurally safe condition; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Maintain in good and safe working order<\/span> and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by him; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Maintain the premises<\/span> in such a condition as to prevent the accumulation of moisture and the growth of mold and promptly respond to any notices<\/span> from a tenant<\/span> as provided in subdivision A 10 of § 55.1-1227<\/a>. Where there is visible evidence of mold<\/span>, the landlord<\/span> shall promptly remediate the mold conditions in accordance with the requirements of subsection E of § 8.01-226.12<\/a> and reinspect the dwelling unit<\/span> to confirm that there is no longer visible evidence of mold<\/span> in the dwelling unit<\/span>. The landlord<\/span> shall provide a tenant<\/span> with a copy of a summary of information related to mold remediation occurring during that tenancy and, upon request of the tenant<\/span>, make available the full package of such information and reports not protected by attorney-client privilege<\/span>. Once the mold has been remediated in accordance with professional standards, the landlord<\/span> shall not be required to make disclosures of a past incidence of mold to subsequent tenants<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the collection, storage, and removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of dwelling units<\/span> and arrange for the removal of same; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable air conditioning if provided and heat in season except where the dwelling unit<\/span> is so constructed that heat, air conditioning, or hot water is generated by an installation within the exclusive control of the tenant<\/span> or supplied by a direct public utility<\/span> connection; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Provide a certificate to the tenant<\/span> stating that all smoke alarms are present, have been inspected, and are in good working order<\/span> no more than once every 12 months. The landlord<\/span>, his employee, or an independent contractor may perform the inspection to determine that the smoke alarm is in good working order<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The landlord<\/span> shall perform the duties imposed by subsection A in accordance with law<\/span>; however, the landlord<\/span> shall only be liable for the tenant<\/span>’s actual damages<\/span> proximately caused by the landlord<\/span>’s failure to exercise ordinary care. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> If the duty imposed by subdivision A 1 is greater than any duty imposed by any other subdivision of that subsection, the landlord<\/span>’s duty shall be determined by reference to subdivision A 1. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The landlord<\/span> and tenant<\/span> may agree in writing that the tenant<\/span> perform the landlord<\/span>’s duties specified in subdivisions A 3, 6, and 7 and also specified repairs, maintenance tasks, alterations, and remodeling, but only if the transaction is entered into in good faith<\/span> and not for the purpose of evading the obligations of the landlord<\/span> and if the agreement does not diminish or affect the obligation of the landlord<\/span> to other tenants<\/span> in the premises<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLANDLORD TO MAINTAIN FIT PREMISES (\u00a7 55.1-1220)\n\nA. The landlord shall:\n\n 1. Comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes\n materially affecting health and safety;\n\n 2. Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises\n in a fit and habitable condition;\n\n 3. Keep all common areas shared by two or more dwelling units of a multifamily\n premises in a clean and structurally safe condition;\n\n 4. Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical,\n plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other\n facilities and appliances, including elevators, supplied or required to be\n supplied by him;\n\n 5. Maintain the premises in such a condition as to prevent the accumulation of\n moisture and the growth of mold and promptly respond to any notices from a\n tenant as provided in subdivision A 10 of § 55.1-1227. Where there is\n visible evidence of mold, the landlord shall promptly remediate the mold\n conditions in accordance with the requirements of subsection E of §\n 8.01-226.12 and reinspect the dwelling unit to confirm that there is no longer\n visible evidence of mold in the dwelling unit. The landlord shall provide a\n tenant with a copy of a summary of information related to mold remediation\n occurring during that tenancy and, upon request of the tenant, make available\n the full package of such information and reports not protected by\n attorney-client privilege. Once the mold has been remediated in accordance\n with professional standards, the landlord shall not be required to make\n disclosures of a past incidence of mold to subsequent tenants;\n\n 6. Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the\n collection, storage, and removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste\n incidental to the occupancy of dwelling units and arrange for the removal of\n same;\n\n 7. Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and\n reasonable air conditioning if provided and heat in season except where the\n dwelling unit is so constructed that heat, air conditioning, or hot water is\n generated by an installation within the exclusive control of the tenant or\n supplied by a direct public utility connection; and\n\n 8. Provide a certificate to the tenant stating that all smoke alarms are\n present, have been inspected, and are in good working order no more than once\n every 12 months. The landlord, his employee, or an independent contractor may\n perform the inspection to determine that the smoke alarm is in good working\n order.\n\nB. The landlord shall perform the duties imposed by subsection A in accordance\nwith law; however, the landlord shall only be liable for the tenant’s\nactual damages proximately caused by the landlord’s failure to exercise\nordinary care.\n\nC. If the duty imposed by subdivision A 1 is greater than any duty imposed by\nany other subdivision of that subsection, the landlord’s duty shall be\ndetermined by reference to subdivision A 1.\n\nD. The landlord and tenant may agree in writing that the tenant perform the\nlandlord’s duties specified in subdivisions A 3, 6, and 7 and also\nspecified repairs, maintenance tasks, alterations, and remodeling, but only if\nthe transaction is entered into in good faith and not for the purpose of evading\nthe obligations of the landlord and if the agreement does not diminish or affect\nthe obligation of the landlord to other tenants in the premises.\n\nHISTORY: 1974, c. 680, \u00a7 55-248.13; 1987, cc. 361, 636; 2000, c. 760; 2004, c.\n226; 2007, c. 634; 2008, cc. 489, 640; 2009, c. 663; 2014, c. 632; 2015, c. 274;\n2017, c. 730; 2018, cc. 41, 81; 2019, c. 712.","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}}