The Consumer Affairs Branch provides advice, information, and guidance for tenants and landlords. Though staff cannot provide legal advice, they can provide guidance to help resolve your complaint. Below are resources understanding your rights and responsibilities.

Tenants and landlords have the responsibility to understand the requirements of law and the provisions of the lease agreement. This handbook is designed to supplement the lease agreement and offer information and resources to be an informed tenant or landlord.

Section § 55.1-1204 of the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) require landlords to provide tenants with a Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities. This statement summarizes a tenant’s rights and responsibilities under the VRLTA. Both the landlord and tenant must sign this form, which is available from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Section § 36-139 of the Virginia Code. A landlord cannot file or pursue a lawsuit against a tenant for a lease violation until the landlord has provided the tenant with the statement of tenant rights and responsibilities.

Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities: (English)  (Spanish)

The county created the Eviction Prevention Task Force to provide assistance to vulnerable residents by bringing together county agencies and nonprofit partners in an effort to connect residents to eviction prevention information and data tools. This information will help you if you are experiencing a financial setback.

Before you rent a place to live or before you rent a place you own, you need to understand what’s in a lease agreement.  Rights, responsibilities, and obligations should be clearly stated in the lease agreement. Review the Lease Checklist, before you rent, so you are aware of the items that should be addressed and get links to tenant-landlord laws. 

The Tenant Resource Sheet provides information for tenants, so they know which county agency to call if they need assistance with repair or maintenance problems in their rental dwelling.

What Tenants and Landlords Need To Know answers many of the questions frequently asked by tenants and landlords and provides links to applicable laws and resources. This brochure is offered by the Consumer Affairs Branch.

Whether you’re renting an apartment, townhouse, condominium or single-family home, you can save money by improving the energy efficiency of your rental dwelling. Read Energy Saving Tips for Renters to find out how.  

Before you rent a room, read Renting a Room in Fairfax County for information to help you select a room that best meets your needs.