Virginia delegate proposes changes to tenant and fair housing laws with new bill

State Del. Elizabeth B. Bennett-Parker has put forward a new bill that would update regulations covering fair housing and residential rental applications, according to the Virginia State House. The proposal is designed to clarify exemptions and enhance existing rules.

The measure, labeled HB379, was introduced Jan. 14, 2026, during the regular 2026 session with the formal title: “Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; application, notice, deposit, fee.”

The following summary reflects our understanding of the bill text and may include interpretation for clarity.

This legislation would modify Virginia’s fair housing and residential landlord-tenant statutes to clarify exemptions, specify definitions, and update processes regarding rental applications, screening fees, and use of applicant data. Among other provisions, it narrows the exception to source-of-funds discrimination for certain small property owners, allows denial if an approved payer is not confirmed within 15 days, and allows consideration of family abuse victim status as a positive credit factor. The bill sets maximum application fees, deadlines for application deposits and unused fee refunds, requires prior written disclosure of all fees and screening policies, mandates the use of a single application for all of a landlord’s Virginia rentals, and requires prompt written reasons and background disclosures when adverse decisions are made. Damages and attorney fees would be available if landlords violate its requirements.

Rep. Elizabeth B. Bennett-Parker (Democrat-5th District) is the sole sponsor of this bill.

Since the session began, Bennett-Parker has submitted another 12 legislative proposals.

Bennett-Parker earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 2007.

A Democrat, Bennett-Parker was also elected to the Virginia State Senate in 2026 to represent the 39th House District, succeeding Adam Ebbin as state senator.

In Virginia, the legislative process starts with the introduction of a bill in either chamber. The bill is sent to designated committees for review and possible changes. Following committee approval, it advances for debate and voting from the chamber floors. Once passed by both the House and Senate, it goes to the governor, who may sign, veto, or let it become law without action. The General Assembly begins its regular session every year on the second Monday in January, seeing hundreds of bills filed annually, though many do not become law.