Virginia § 55.1-1314 - Retaliatory conduct prohibited
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 55.1-1314 — Retaliatory conduct prohibited, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 55.1-1314. Retaliatory conduct prohibited
A. Except as provided in this section, or as otherwise provided by law, a landlord shall not retaliate by selectively increasing rent or decreasing services or by bringing or threatening to bring an action for possession after the landlord has knowledge that (i) the tenant has complained to a governmental agency charged with responsibility for enforcement of a building or housing code of a violation applicable to the premises materially affecting health or safety, (ii) the tenant has made a complaint to or filed an action against the landlord for a violation of any provision of this chapter, (iii) the tenant has organized or become a member of a tenant's organization, or (iv) the tenant has testified in a court proceeding against the landlord.
B. The landlord shall be deemed to have knowledge of a fact if he has actual knowledge of it, he has received a notice or notification of it, or, from all the facts and circumstances known to him at the time in question, he has reason to know that it exists.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections A and B, a landlord may terminate the rental agreement pursuant to subsection A of § 55.1-1308 and bring an action for possession if:
1. Violation of the applicable building and housing code was caused by lack of reasonable care by the tenant, a member of the tenant's household, or a guest or invitee of the tenant;
2. The tenant is in default in rent; or
3. The tenant is in default of a provision of the rental agreement materially affecting the health and safety of the tenant or others.
1986, c. 586, § 55-248.50; 1991, c. 185; 1992, c. 709; 2019, c. 712.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 55.1-1314
What does Code of Virginia § 55.1-1314 cover?
Section 55.1-1314 ("Retaliatory conduct prohibited") 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 § 55.1-1314?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 55.1-1314" (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 § 55.1-1314 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.