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Key Takeaways
Tenants in 2025 expect clear disclosure of all fees and policies up front. Landlords must list all charges on the first page of the lease.
The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) governs most rental relationships across Virginia, and landlords in the Hampton Roads region must stay current with its 2025 amendments.
There is no state‑wide rent control in Virginia, so landlords can raise rent at lease end or with proper notice subject to lease terms and local rules.
Questions about security deposits, maintenance obligations, entry access, and lease termination remain at the top of tenant concerns and landlords who proactively address these see fewer disputes.
In the Hampton Roads market, landlords should also anticipate tenant concerns around flood zones, military relocation, and local housing supply dynamics especially given the region’s military and coastal influences.
As a landlord operating in Hampton Roads, you may recognize that the leasing landscape in 2025 is evolving. Tenants are more informed than ever, reading leases closely, asking pointed questions and expecting transparency and professionalism. For landlords, being ready for the questions that tenants bring can help you screen tenants, set expectations clearly, avoid disputes and maintain positive landlord‑tenant relationships. This blog explores the top questions tenants are asking in 2025 when they consider leasing in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, and offers guidance for landlords on how to prepare, respond and manage proactive leasing.
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Fees and Charges
Understanding disclosures and fees
From the tenant’s vantage point, the big question is: “What will I be paying beyond the monthly rent?” This can include security deposit, pet fees, HOA or community fees, utility charges, late fees, possibly service fees, etc. In 2025 Virginia law has added requirements around disclosures. Under the VRLTA and related guidance, landlords must list all charges on the first page of a lease or in a separate but signed addendum. (legalaidworks.org)
In addition, if you require payment by a tenant in a form that triggers additional processing or collection fees, state law requires you to accept at least one method of payment that does not add extra processing fees. (dhcd.virginia.gov)
Why this matters in Hampton Roads
In a region like Hampton Roads where many military families, transient tenants or relocating employees lease properties, being fully transparent about fees helps you reduce misunderstandings and turnover.
What landlords should do
Ensure all fees such as security deposit amount, pet fees, move‑in fees, utility contribution, and late fees are clearly listed on the lease.
Provide translation of tenant rights statement if needed in top non‑English languages.
Be ready to explain any fee clearly so tenants understand the value they receive.
Security Deposits
Virginia rules and tenant questions
Security deposit handling is one of the most frequent areas of tenant concern and also a frequent source of conflict for landlords. Under Virginia law, landlords may require a deposit up to two months’ rent unless otherwise agreed.
Landlord must inspect the unit and provide tenant a copy of the inspection report within five business days of move‑in.
After tenant vacates, the landlord must return the remaining deposit with an itemised list of deductions within 45 days.
Deductions may include unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning charges, but not normal wear and tear.
Hampton Roads context
Given the coastal environment, tenants may ask whether mold, moisture damage, or flood-related deterioration counts as tenant liability.
Landlord best practices
Conduct and document a thorough move‑in inspection (photos, video, signed).
Provide an itemised deduction list promptly at move‑out.
Include in lease language that cleaning beyond normal usage, removal of tenant belongings, unpaid utilities, or late rent may factor into deductions.
Maintenance and Repairs
What tenants want to know
Tenants expect timely maintenance and clarity on responsibilities for repairs.
Legal framework in Virginia
Landlords must maintain rental units in condition meeting local building codes, and keep it safe, sanitary and habitable. (oag.state.va.us)
Hampton Roads unique considerations
Coastal Virginia presents storm damage, hurricanes, flooding, and older infrastructure concerns. Tenants will ask about repair timelines and flood zone responsibilities.
Landlord suggestions
Clearly delineate tenant vs landlord maintenance responsibilities.
Maintain a documented repair log and a vetted maintenance vendor.
Set expectations: non-emergency repairs within 72 hours; emergency issues within 24 hours.
Provide tenants a welcome sheet with maintenance contact info.
Landlord Entry
Tenant concerns
Tenants want to know how much notice you must provide before entering, inspections, or showing the property.
Virginia rules
Landlords may enter for inspections, repairs, or showings with reasonable notice during reasonable hours.
Hampton Roads nuance
Tenant-heavy market with military personnel and students may increase showings and inspections.
Recommendations for landlords
Include lease clause for entry rights with minimum notice.
Confirm showings in writing with tenants.
Document entries to avoid disputes.
Lease End and Rent Increases
Questions from tenants
Tenants ask about rent increases, renewal options, and month-to-month conversion.
Virginia’s legal framework
No statewide rent control; landlords can raise rent at lease end.
Written notice of rent increase may be required depending on number of units.
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Local considerations
Military personnel may have early termination needs due to reassignment.
Landlord approach
Clearly state lease term, renewal terms, and rent increase process.
Provide renewal notice at least 60 days before lease end where applicable.
Consider lease renewal incentives for retention.
Rental Market Insights
What tenants are curious about
Tenants want to know whether the rent is fair and market trends in Hampton Roads.
Market dynamics
Military presence, coastal risks, and student populations influence demand.
Landlord tips
Prepare neighborhood rental comparisons.
Highlight amenities and value added (maintenance, portal, upgrades).
Pets and Service Animals
Tenant concerns
Tenants ask about allowed pets, fees, breed restrictions, and service/emotional support animals.
Virginia / legal facts
Landlords must allow service animals even if the property is no-pet. (valegalaid.org)
Hampton Roads context
Military tenants often have pets; flexibility attracts tenants.
Landlord best practices
Clear pet addendum in lease.
Separate language for service animals referencing fair housing laws.
Consistent application of pet policies.
Early Termination and Subletting
What tenants ask
Military tenants often ask about early termination, subletting, or reassignment.
Virginia law
Tenants may have special protections in military relocation cases.
Recommended landlord policy
Include early termination clause.
Address subletting clearly.
Consider military PCS termination clauses.
Rent Payment Methods
Tenant questions
Tenants expect online payment, portals, and clear late fee policies.
Virginia requirements
Landlords must accept at least one method of payment without additional fees. (dhcd.virginia.gov)
Landlord suggestions
Provide tenant portal for payments and maintenance.
Clearly state rent due date, grace periods, and late fees.
Accept at least one no-fee payment method.
Ownership Changes
Typical tenant concern
Tenants ask what happens if property is sold, foreclosed, or ownership changes.
Virginia legal framework
Existing lease remains in force after sale.
Tenants have protections if foreclosed mid-lease.
Landlord best practice
Include lease clause addressing ownership changes.
Maintain accurate records for deposits and rent.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, tenants in Hampton Roads are asking more informed questions than ever. Key areas of concern include fees, security deposits, maintenance, entry rights, lease renewals, pets, early termination, payment methods, and ownership changes. Proactively addressing these questions helps reduce misunderstandings, speed lease signings, and boost tenant satisfaction.
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