Virginia Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Virginia facts

Security deposit deadline

45 days after termination of the tenancy or the date the tenant vacates, whichever is later. Va. Code 55.1-1226(A)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

14-day written pay-or-quit notice. Va. Code 55.1-1245(F)

Small claims limit

$5,000, exclusive of interest, for money judgments or recovery of personal property (warrant in detinue) valued up to $5,000. Va. Code 16.1-122.2

Small estate affidavit

Yes. If the decedent's entire personal probate estate is worth no more than $75,000, anyone holding a small asset (a bank, brokerage or credit union account, security, refund, tangible personal property, or debt owed… Va. Code § 64.2-600; § 64.2-601; § 64.2-602

Cost of a protective order

No fee is charged for filing or serving a petition or order for a preliminary or full family abuse protective order. Va. Code §§ 16.1-253.1(H), 16.1-279.1(E), (J)

Minimum wage

$12.77 per hour from January 1, 2026 until January 1, 2027. Va. Code § 40.1-28.10

Final paycheck if fired

All wages due must be paid on or before the date the employee would have been paid for that work had the job not ended (the next regular payday). Va. Code § 40.1-29(B)

Time limit to sue on a debt

5 years for an action on a written contract signed by the person being sued (or their agent). Va. Code 8.01-246(A)(2)