Virginia Eviction Notice (2026)

Notice to pay rent or quit, cure a violation or vacate — with your state's exact notice period, statutory wording, day counting and service rules.

Updated September 2026≈ 6 minReviewed against Va. Code § 55.1-1245 · Va. Code § 55.1-1202

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What you'll get

Sample first page of the Eviction Notice. Your answers fill in the blanks; the clauses required in Virginia are added automatically.

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What this document covers

Reason: nonpayment, lease violation or unconditional quit
State notice period and day counting
Tenants, occupants and premises
Amount past due and rental periods
Where, when and how rent may be paid
Description of the violation and how to cure
Statutory wording and bold notices your state requires
CARES Act 30-day rule for covered properties
Method of service permitted in your state
Proof of service for the court

Virginia rules that this document follows

Nonpayment of rent	14 days — 14-Day Notice to Pay or QuitSource: Va. Code § 55.1-1245(F) (14 days, eff. 7/1/2026; was 5 days)
Lease violation	30 days — tenant may cureSource: Va. Code § 55.1-1245(A) (21 days to cure; termination 30 days after notice)
Unconditional quit	30 days — Non-remediable breach or repeat violation after a prior cure notice (30-day notice, no cure); criminal or willful acts threatening health or safety — immediate action (§ 55.1-1245(C))Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1245(B), (C)
Permitted service methods	Personal delivery to the tenant; Delivery to a person of suitable age at the premises + first-class mail; Posting on the entry door + first-class mail; Certified mail, return receipt requested; Electronic delivery (only if the lease authorizes it)Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1202 (notices; electronic delivery if agreed in writing); § 8.01-296 (service of process)
Required content	Notice must state the amount due or the acts constituting the breach and the date by which the tenant must pay/cure or vacate. Pay-or-quit notices in Virginia must also include the statement of the tenant's right to redemption and the landlord's contact information (§ 55.1-1245(F)).
Statute	Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Va. Code § 55.1-1200 et seq.; Unlawful Detainer § 8.01-124 et seq.

Rules current as of 2026-10-27. Statutes change; verify before relying on them.

How to use this Eviction Notice in Virginia

Serve the notice exactly as Virginia law allows and count the days from the day of service — the deadline is the first thing a judge checks; this generator does the counting for you. Do not include late fees in a pay-or-quit amount unless your state permits it. If the tenant pays the full amount in time, the notice is satisfied.

Keep a copy of the notice and the signed proof of service; you will attach both to the court complaint if the tenant does not comply.

Frequently asked questions

How many days' notice for nonpayment of rent in Virginia?

14 days (14-Day Notice to Pay or Quit), Va. Code § 55.1-1245(F). Properties covered by the CARES Act require at least 30 days.

How must the notice be delivered?

Personal delivery to the tenant; Delivery to a person of suitable age at the premises + first-class mail; Posting on the entry door + first-class mail; Certified mail, return receipt requested; Electronic delivery (only if the lease authorizes it). Va. Code § 55.1-1202; § 8.01-296. Keep the completed proof of service — the court will ask for it.

Can I change the locks or shut off utilities instead?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and exposes the landlord to damages. After the notice period expires you must file an eviction case in court.

Other names

notice to quit
pay or quit notice
3 day notice
notice to vacate
eviction letter
notice to cure or quit
late rent notice
demand for possession

Other states

FormsByState provides self-help document templates and general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For advice about your situation consult a licensed attorney in your state.