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Default rule and exceptions
Virginia is one of the few states with an actual mold-specific rental statute. At move-in, the landlord must disclose any visible mold and, if the tenant still wants the unit, remediate it within 5 business days before the tenant takes/keeps possession (§55.1-1215); during the tenancy, the landlord has an ongoing duty to prevent moisture accumulation/mold growth and promptly remediate any visible mold (§55.1-1220(A)(5)), with no tenant-caused carve-out.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Landlord | Disclose visible mold at move-in and remediate within 5 business days if the tenant proceeds; during the tenancy, prevent moisture accumulation and mold growth and promptly remediate any visible mold, then reinspect. |
| Tenant | May terminate the tenancy if disclosed mold is unacceptable, or request remediation before taking possession. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 27, 2026.
If the landlord's written disclosure states that there is visible evidence of mold in the dwelling unit, the tenant shall have the option to terminate the tenancy... If the tenant requests to take possession... the landlord shall promptly remediate the mold condition but in no event later than five business days after the tenant's request.
Maintain the premises in such a condition as to prevent the accumulation of moisture and the growth of mold... Where there is visible evidence of mold, the landlord shall promptly remediate the mold conditions... and reinspect the dwelling unit to confirm that there is no longer visible evidence of mold.
City rules rest on state law. Read Virginia's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for rental: mold in Statewide, VA?
The landlord. Disclose visible mold at move-in and remediate within 5 business days if the tenant proceeds; during the tenancy, prevent moisture accumulation and mold growth and promptly remediate any visible mold, then reinspect.
What is this based on for Statewide, VA?
This verdict is sourced to Code of Virginia §55.1-1215: Disclosure of mold in dwelling units and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Code of Virginia §55.1-1215: Disclosure of mold in dwelling unitsstatute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Code of Virginia §55.1-1220: Landlord to maintain fit premisesstatute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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