DisputeKit / States / Virginia
Your consumer rights in Virginia
What Virginia and federal law say about getting a security deposit back, refunds and cancelling subscriptions, with the law cited and a sample letter for each.
Security deposits
45 days. Under Code of Virginia § 55.1-1226, a landlord must give the tenant a written notice itemizing the security deposit and any deductions, together with any amount due to the tenant within 45 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. A court may also award return of the security deposit, together with actual damages and reasonable attorney fees, if the landlord willfully failed to comply with the security deposit law.
Refunds
If a company won't refund you, send a written demand with a clear deadline. If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to dispute the charge: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.
Subscriptions
Virginia has its own automatic-renewal law for subscriptions, on top of the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act.
Small claims and complaints in Virginia
- Virginia consumer law
- Code of Virginia § 59.1-200 (Virginia Consumer Protection Act)
- Where to file a complaint
- Virginia Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section
- Small claims limit
- $5,000 in the small claims division of the general district court (larger claims go to the general district court itself)
- Filing fee
- Varies by court; filing plus sheriff's service fees can be estimated with the General District Court fee calculator or by asking the clerk