# Virginia Security Deposits: Wear vs Damage | Who Pays the Repair?

> Virginia landlords must itemize deductions within 45 days and figure damages less reasonable wear and tear, under Va. Code §55.1-1226.

**Who pays:** shared

Virginia landlords must itemize deductions within 45 days and figure damages less reasonable wear and tear, under Va. Code §55.1-1226.

**Boundary:** Virginia landlords must itemize the security deposit and any deductions, and deliver the balance due, within 45 days after tenancy termination, and may only deduct damages the tenant caused less reasonable wear and tear (Va. Code §55.1-1226).

## Sources
- [Va. Code §55.1-1226(A) (damages figured 'less reasonable wear and tear')](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/chapter12/section55.1-1226/) — "the payment of the amount of damages that the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with § 55.1-1227, less reasonable wear and tear." (accessed 2026-09-13)
- [Va. Code §55.1-1226(A) (45-day itemization deadline)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/chapter12/section55.1-1226/) — "The security deposit and any deductions, damages, and charges shall be itemized by the landlord in a written notice given to the tenant, together with any amount due to the tenant, within 45 days after the termination date of the tenancy or the date the tenant vacates the dwelling unit, whichever occurs last." (accessed 2026-09-13)

_Last verified 2026-09-19. Source: Who Pays the Repair? — https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/virginia-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._