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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>76179</law_id><section_number>55.1-1916</section_number><catch_line>Contents of declaration</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><referred_to_by><reference>55.1-1901</reference><reference>55.1-1918</reference><reference>55.1-1919</reference><reference>55.1-1922</reference><reference>55.1-1926</reference><reference>55.1-1927</reference></referred_to_by><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="55.1">Property and Conveyances</unit><unit label="subtitle" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="IV">Common Interest Communities</unit><unit label="chapter" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="19">Virginia Condominium Act</unit><unit label="article" level="4" order_by="1" identifier="2">Creation, Alteration, and Termination of Condominiums</unit></structure><text>
						<section id="A"><p><span class="prefix-number">A.</span> The declaration for every <span class="dictionary">condominium</span> shall contain the following: <a id="paragraph-273525" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#A"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> The name of the <span class="dictionary">condominium</span>, which name shall include the word &#x201C;<span class="dictionary">condominium</span>&#x201D; or be followed by the words &#x201C;a <span class="dictionary">condominium</span>.&#x201D; <a id="paragraph-273526" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#A1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> The name of the county or city in which the <span class="dictionary">condominium</span> is located. <a id="paragraph-273527" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#A2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> A legal description by metes and bounds of the <span class="dictionary">land</span> submitted in accordance with this chapter. <a id="paragraph-273528" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#A3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A4" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> A description or delineation of the boundaries of the <span class="dictionary">units</span>, including the horizontal (upper and lower) boundaries, if any, as well as the vertical (lateral or perimetric) boundaries. <a id="paragraph-273529" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#A4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A5" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> A description or delineation of any <span class="dictionary">limited common elements</span>, other than those that are <span class="dictionary">limited common elements</span> by virtue of subdivision 5 of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Construction of condominium instruments" href="/55.1-1912/">55.1-1912</a>, showing or designating the <span class="dictionary">unit</span> or <span class="dictionary">units</span> to which each is assigned. <a id="paragraph-273530" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#A5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A6" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> A description or delineation of all common elements not within the boundaries of any <span class="dictionary">convertible lands</span> that may subsequently be assigned as <span class="dictionary">limited common elements</span>, together with a statement that (i) they may be so assigned and a description of the method by which any such assignments shall be made in accordance with the provisions of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Assignments of limited common elements; conversion to common element" href="/55.1-1919/">55.1-1919</a> or (ii) once assigned, the conditions under which they may be unassigned and converted to common elements in accordance with &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Assignments of limited common elements; conversion to common element" href="/55.1-1919/">55.1-1919</a>. <a id="paragraph-273531" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#A6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A7" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">7.</span> The allocation to each <span class="dictionary">unit</span> of an undivided interest in the common elements in accordance with the provisions of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Allocation of interests in the common elements" href="/55.1-1917/">55.1-1917</a>. <a id="paragraph-273532" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#A7"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A8" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">8.</span> A statement of the extent of the <span class="dictionary">declarant</span>&#x2019;s obligation to complete improvements labeled &#x201C;NOT YET COMPLETED&#x201D; or to begin and complete improvements labeled &#x201C;NOT YET BEGUN&#x201D; on plats recorded pursuant to the requirements of this chapter. Such statement shall be specific as to the type and quality of <span class="dictionary">materials</span> to be used, the <span class="dictionary">size</span> or capacity of the improvements when <span class="dictionary">material</span>, and the time by which such improvements shall be completed. <a id="paragraph-273533" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#A8"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A9" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">9.</span> Such other matters as the <span class="dictionary">declarant</span> deems appropriate. <a id="paragraph-273534" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#A9"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B"><p><span class="prefix-number">B.</span> If the <span class="dictionary">condominium</span> contains any <span class="dictionary">convertible land</span>, the declaration shall also contain the following: <a id="paragraph-273535" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#B"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> A legal description by metes and bounds of each <span class="dictionary">convertible land</span> within the <span class="dictionary">condominium</span>. <a id="paragraph-273536" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#B1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> A statement of the maximum number of <span class="dictionary">units</span> that may be created within each such <span class="dictionary">convertible land</span>. <a id="paragraph-273537" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#B2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> A statement, with respect to each such <span class="dictionary">convertible land</span>, of the maximum percentage of the aggregate land and floor area of all <span class="dictionary">units</span> that may be created in such <span class="dictionary">convertible land</span> that may be occupied by <span class="dictionary">units</span> not restricted exclusively to residential use. Such statement is not required if none of the <span class="dictionary">units</span> on other portions of the submitted land are restricted exclusively to residential use. <a id="paragraph-273538" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#B3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B4" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> A statement of the extent to which any structure erected on any <span class="dictionary">convertible land</span> will be compatible with structures on other portions of the submitted land in terms of quality of construction, the principal <span class="dictionary">materials</span> to be used, and architectural style. <a id="paragraph-273539" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#B4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B5" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> A description of all other improvements that may be made on each <span class="dictionary">convertible land</span> within the <span class="dictionary">condominium</span>. <a id="paragraph-273540" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#B5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B6" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> A statement that any <span class="dictionary">units</span> created within each <span class="dictionary">convertible land</span> will be substantially identical to the <span class="dictionary">units</span> on other portions of the submitted land, or a statement describing in detail what other types of <span class="dictionary">units</span> may be created in such <span class="dictionary">convertible land</span>. <a id="paragraph-273541" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#B6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B7" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">7.</span> A description of the <span class="dictionary">declarant</span>&#x2019;s reserved right, if any, to create <span class="dictionary">limited common elements</span> within any <span class="dictionary">convertible land</span> or to designate common elements in such <span class="dictionary">convertible land</span> that may subsequently be assigned as <span class="dictionary">limited common elements</span>, in terms of the types, <span class="dictionary">sizes</span>, and maximum number of such elements within each such <span class="dictionary">convertible land</span>.
				Plats and plans may be recorded as exhibits to the declaration to supplement information furnished pursuant to subdivisions 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7. <a id="paragraph-273542" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#B7"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C"><p><span class="prefix-number">C.</span> If the condominium is an <span class="dictionary">expandable condominium</span>, the declaration shall also contain the following: <a id="paragraph-273543" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> The explicit reservation of an option to expand the condominium. <a id="paragraph-273544" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> A statement of any limitations on that option, including a statement as to whether the consent of any <span class="dictionary">unit owners</span> shall be required, and, if so, a statement as to the method by which such consent shall be ascertained, or a statement that there are no such limitations. <a id="paragraph-273545" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> A time limit, not exceeding 10 years after the recording of the declaration, upon which the option to expand the condominium shall expire, together with a statement of the circumstances, if any, that will terminate that option prior to the expiration of the time limit so specified. After the expiration of any period of <span class="dictionary">declarant</span> control reserved pursuant to subsection A of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Control of condominium by declarant" href="/55.1-1943/">55.1-1943</a>, such time limit may be extended by an amendment to the declaration made pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Amendment of condominium instruments" href="/55.1-1934/">55.1-1934</a>. <a id="paragraph-273546" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C4" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> A legal description by metes and bounds of all land that may be added to the condominium, henceforth referred to as &#x201C;additional land.&#x201D; <a id="paragraph-273547" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C5" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> A statement as to whether, if any of the additional land is added to the condominium, all of it or any particular portion of it must be added and, if not, a statement of any limitations as to what portions may be added, or a statement that there are no such limitations. <a id="paragraph-273548" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C6" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> A statement as to whether portions of the additional land may be added to the condominium at different times, together with any limitations fixing the boundaries of those portions by legal descriptions setting forth the metes and bounds of such portions or regulating the <span class="dictionary">order</span> in which they may be added to the condominium. <a id="paragraph-273549" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C7" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">7.</span> A statement of any limitations as to the locations of any improvements that may be made on any portions of the additional land added to the condominium, or a statement that no assurances are made in that regard. <a id="paragraph-273550" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C7"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C8" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">8.</span> A statement of the maximum number of <span class="dictionary">units</span> that may be created on the additional land. If portions of the additional land may be added to the condominium and the boundaries of those portions are fixed in accordance with subdivision 6, the declaration shall also state the maximum number of <span class="dictionary">units</span> that may be created on each such portion added to the condominium. If portions of the additional land may be added to the condominium and the boundaries of those portions are not fixed in accordance with subdivision 6, then the declaration shall also state the maximum number of <span class="dictionary">units</span> per acre that may be created on any such portion added to the condominium. <a id="paragraph-273551" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C8"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C9" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">9.</span> A statement, with respect to the additional land and to any portion of such additional land that may be added to the condominium, of the maximum percentage of the aggregate land and floor area of all <span class="dictionary">units</span> that may be created on such additional land that may be occupied by <span class="dictionary">units</span> not restricted exclusively to residential use. Such statement is not required if none of the <span class="dictionary">units</span> on the submitted land are restricted exclusively to residential use. <a id="paragraph-273552" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C9"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C10" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">10.</span> A statement of the extent to which any structures erected on any portion of the additional land added to the condominium will be compatible with structures on the submitted land in terms of quality of construction, the principal <span class="dictionary">materials</span> to be used, and architectural style, or a statement that no assurances are made in those regards. <a id="paragraph-273553" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C10"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C11" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">11.</span> A description of all other improvements that will be made on any portion of the additional land added to the condominium, or a statement of any limitations as to what other improvements may be made on such additional land, or a statement that no assurances are made in that regard. <a id="paragraph-273554" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C11"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C12" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">12.</span> A statement that any <span class="dictionary">units</span> created on any portion of the additional land added to the condominium will be substantially identical to the <span class="dictionary">units</span> on the submitted land, or a statement of any limitations as to what types of <span class="dictionary">units</span> may be created on such additional land, or a statement that no assurances are made in that regard. <a id="paragraph-273555" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C12"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C13" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">13.</span> A description of the <span class="dictionary">declarant</span>&#x2019;s reserved right, if any, to create <span class="dictionary">limited common elements</span> within any portion of the additional land added to the condominium or to designate common elements in such additional land that may subsequently be assigned as <span class="dictionary">limited common elements</span>, in terms of the types, <span class="dictionary">sizes</span>, and maximum number of such elements within each such portion, or a statement that no assurances are made in those regards.
				Plats and plans may be recorded as exhibits to the declaration to supplement information furnished pursuant to subdivisions 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 13. <a id="paragraph-273556" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#C13"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D"><p><span class="prefix-number">D.</span> If the condominium is a <span class="dictionary">contractable condominium</span>, the declaration shall also contain the following: <a id="paragraph-273557" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#D"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> The explicit reservation of an option to <span class="dictionary">contract</span> the condominium. <a id="paragraph-273558" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#D1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> A statement of any limitations on that option, including a statement as to whether the consent of any <span class="dictionary">unit owners</span> shall be required, and, if so, a statement as to the method whereby such consent shall be ascertained, or a statement that there are no such limitations. <a id="paragraph-273559" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#D2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> A time limit, not exceeding 10 years after the recording of the declaration, upon which the option to <span class="dictionary">contract</span> the condominium shall expire, together with a statement of the circumstances, if any, that will terminate that option prior to the expiration of the time limit so specified. <a id="paragraph-273560" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#D3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D4" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> A legal description by metes and bounds of all land that may be withdrawn from the condominium, hereinafter referred to as &#x201C;withdrawable land.&#x201D; <a id="paragraph-273561" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#D4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D5" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> A statement as to whether portions of the withdrawable land may be withdrawn from the condominium at different times, together with any limitations fixing the boundaries of those portions by legal descriptions setting forth the metes and bounds or regulating the <span class="dictionary">order</span> in which they may be withdrawn from the condominium. <a id="paragraph-273562" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#D5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D6" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> A legal description by metes and bounds of all of the submitted land to which the option to <span class="dictionary">contract</span> the condominium does not extend. This subdivision shall not be construed in derogation of any right the <span class="dictionary">declarant</span> may have to terminate the condominium in accordance with the provisions of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Termination of condominium" href="/55.1-1937/">55.1-1937</a>.
				Plats may be recorded as exhibits to the declaration to supplement information furnished pursuant to subdivisions 4, 5, and 6. <a id="paragraph-273563" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#D6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="E"><p><span class="prefix-number">E.</span> If the condominium is a <span class="dictionary">leasehold condominium</span>, then with respect to any ground lease or other leases the expiration or termination of which will or may terminate or <span class="dictionary">contract</span> the condominium, the declaration shall set forth the county or city in which such lease is recorded and the deed book and page number where the first page of each such lease is recorded, and the declaration shall also contain the following: <a id="paragraph-273564" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#E"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="E1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> The date upon which each such lease is due to expire. <a id="paragraph-273565" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#E1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="E2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> A statement as to whether any land or improvements will be owned by the <span class="dictionary">unit owners</span> in fee simple and, if so, either (i) a description of the same, including a legal description by metes and bounds of any such land, or (ii) a statement of any rights the <span class="dictionary">unit owners</span> shall have to remove such improvements within a reasonable time after the expiration or termination of the lease involved, or a statement that they shall have no such rights. <a id="paragraph-273566" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#E2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="E3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> A statement of the rights the <span class="dictionary">unit owners</span> shall have to redeem any reversion, or a statement that they shall have no such rights.
				After the recording of the declaration, no lessor who executed such declaration, and no successor in interest to such lessor, shall have any right or power to terminate any part of the leasehold interest of any <span class="dictionary">unit owner</span> who makes timely payment of his share of the rent to the <span class="dictionary">person</span> designated in the declaration for the receipt of such rent and who otherwise complies with all covenants that, if violated, would entitle the lessor to terminate the lease. Acquisition or reacquisition of such a leasehold interest by the owner of the reversion or remainder does not cause a merger of the leasehold and fee simple interests unless all leasehold interests in the condominium are thus acquired or reacquired. <a id="paragraph-273567" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#E3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="F"><p><span class="prefix-number">F.</span> Wherever this section requires a legal description by metes and bounds of land that is submitted pursuant to this chapter or that may be added to or withdrawn from the condominium, such requirement shall be deemed satisfied by any legally sufficient description and shall be deemed to require a legally sufficient description of any easements that are submitted pursuant to this chapter or that may be added to or withdrawn from the condominium, as appropriate. In the case of each such easement, the declaration shall contain the following: <a id="paragraph-273568" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#F"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="F1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> A description of the permitted use or uses. <a id="paragraph-273569" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#F1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="F2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> If less than all of those entitled to the use of all of the <span class="dictionary">units</span> may utilize such easement, a statement of the relevant restrictions and limitations on utilization. <a id="paragraph-273570" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#F2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="F3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> If any <span class="dictionary">persons</span> other than those entitled to the use of the <span class="dictionary">units</span> may utilize such easement, a statement of the rights of others to utilization of the easement. <a id="paragraph-273571" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#F3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="G"><p><span class="prefix-number">G.</span> Wherever this section requires a legal description by metes and bounds of land that is submitted pursuant to this chapter or that may be added to or withdrawn from the condominium, an added requirement shall be a separate legally sufficient description of all lands in which the <span class="dictionary">unit owners</span> shall or may be tenants in common or joint tenants with any other <span class="dictionary">persons</span> and a separate legally sufficient description of all lands in which the <span class="dictionary">unit owners</span> shall or may be life tenants. No <span class="dictionary">units</span> shall be situated on any such lands, however, and the declaration shall describe the nature of the <span class="dictionary">unit owners</span>&#x2019; estate in such lands. No such lands shall be shown on the same plat or plats showing other portions of the condominium but shall be shown instead on separate plats. <a id="paragraph-273572" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/55.1-1916/#G"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>1974, c. 416, &#xA7; 55-79.54; 1975, c. 415; 1977, c. 428; 1982, c. 545; 1993, c. 667; 1998, c. 32; 2012, c. 520; 2019, c. 712.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
