Virginia: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 9 topic we track for Virginia on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Virginia compares.

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Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Property division · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Security deposit rules · Eviction notice rules · Property tax rates

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Property damage	5 years

Claim deadlines Checked on official source

Acknowledge	15 calendar days
Accept or deny	15 calendar days after proof of loss, or a written explanation of why more time is needed
Pay	Not set by rule

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$5,000
Filing fee	About $36 plus $12 service
Lawyers	Generally not allowed

Property division

System	Equitable distribution
Opt-in community property	No

Dog bite rules Single detailed source

Rule	One-bite rule
Details	One-bite rule

Shared fault rules

Rule	Contributory negligence
When you are barred	Barred if you are even 1% at fault

Security deposit rules Single detailed source

Maximum deposit	2 months' rent
Return deadline	45 days

Eviction notice rules Under review

Notice before filing	14 days to pay

Property tax rates

Effective rate	0.78%
On a $300,000 home	$2,340 a year