Virginia § 8.01-130.01 - Unlawful detainer; expungement
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 8.01-130.01 — Unlawful detainer; expungement, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8.01-130.01. Unlawful detainer; expungement
A. If, in an action for unlawful detainer filed in general district court, (i) such action is dismissed and the 30-day period following such dismissal has passed or (ii) a voluntary nonsuit of such action is taken and the six-month period following such nonsuit has passed, provided that no order of possession has been entered in the case, the court shall, without further petition or hearing, enter an order requiring the expungement of the court records. The court shall not automatically expunge such records in an unlawful detainer action where a judgement is entered in favor of the defendant; however, such a defendant may file a petition, and the court shall, without a hearing, expunge such records in accordance with the provisions of subsection B.
B. For unlawful detainer actions commenced prior to July 1, 2024, for which the court still has records, if (i) such action was dismissed and the 30-day period following such dismissal has passed or (ii) a voluntary nonsuit of such action was taken and the six-month period following such nonsuit has passed, provided that no order of possession has been entered in the case, the defendant may file a petition on a form created by the Supreme Court in the general district court in which the underlying unlawful detainer action was filed requesting expungement of the court records relating to the unlawful detainer. The petition shall provide the date that the order of dismissal, entry of judgment in favor of the defendant, or nonsuit was entered, the address of the property that was the subject of the unlawful detainer action, and the name of the plaintiff in the unlawful detainer action.
Upon finding that the unlawful detainer action was dismissed and the 30-day period following such dismissal has passed or a nonsuit was taken and the six-month period following such nonsuit has passed, and no order of possession was entered, the court shall, without a hearing, enter an order requiring the expungement of the court records.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 8.01-130.01
What does Code of Virginia § 8.01-130.01 cover?
Section 8.01-130.01 ("Unlawful detainer; expungement") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 8.01-130.01?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 8.01-130.01" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 8.01-130.01 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.