As a real estate attorney and template designer with over 12 years drafting landlord-tenant documents across the United States, I’ve created and refined hundreds of state-specific rental application forms. Today, I’m giving you my fully updated, Virginia rental application form for 2025 – completely free to download in both PDF and Word formats.
This Virginia-specific template complies with the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA § 55.1-1200 et seq.), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and Virginia’s unique $50 maximum application fee limit (§ 55.1-1204). Whether you’re a small landlord in Richmond, a property manager in Northern Virginia, or an investor in Virginia Beach, this rental application form VA will help you screen tenants legally and efficiently.
→ Download Free Virginia Rental Application Form (PDF)
→ Download Free Virginia Rental Application Form (Word .docx)
Important Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Virginia attorney or professional before using any legal document.
Virginia has several landlord-tenant laws that differ significantly from neighboring states. Using a generic “national” rental application can expose you to liability. For example:
My 2025 Virginia rental application form is built from the ground up to address every Virginia requirement while remaining clear and applicant-friendly.
| Section | Purpose | Virginia Legal Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant Information | Full name, DOB, SSN/ITIN, contact | Required for identity verification |
| Rental History (last 5 years) | Previous landlords, reasons for leaving | Helps assess tenancy behavior |
| Employment & Income Verification | Current + previous employer, monthly income | Virginia recommends 3x rent income |
| Credit & Background Authorization | Explicit FCRA consent language | 15 U.S.C. § 1681b + § 55.1-1204 |
| Criminal History Disclosure | Compliant questions (no blanket bans) | Aligns with HUD guidance |
| Pet & Vehicle Information | Number, breed, weight, license plates | Critical for HOA/insurance compliance |
| Emergency Contacts & References | Personal and professional references | Additional screening layer |
| Application Fee & Deposit Clause | $50 cap, refund policy, processing time | § 55.1-1204 compliance |
| Electronic Signature Line | Compatible with DocuSign, HelloSign, etc. | Virginia Uniform Electronic Transactions Act |
Download FCRA Summary of Rights (required by federal law)
Virginia Code § 55.1-1204 explicitly states that landlords may charge no more than $50 for processing, excluding third-party credit report costs if separately itemized and paid directly.
If you collect an application deposit instead of a fee, you must return it within 10 days of rejection or apply it to the security deposit if approved.
If you deny, increase deposit, or require a co-signer based on a credit report, you must provide:
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
As of 2022, Virginia prohibits discrimination based on lawful source of income, including Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers (§ 36-96.1:1).
In my career, I’ve reviewed over 15,000 rental applications in Virginia. Here are the practices that consistently reduce evictions and vacancies:
Yes, but the combined amount cannot exceed the actual costs, and the holding deposit must be credited toward rent or returned if the tenant is rejected.
No. The rental application is not a lease. It only authorizes screening and reserves the unit pending approval.
Virginia follows “first qualified” only if you receive Housing Choice Voucher funding. Private landlords may choose among qualified applicants.
Absolutely not. You must have written authorization (included in my template).
Stop using outdated or generic forms. My Virginia rental application form is updated for 2025 laws, mobile-friendly, and trusted by hundreds of Virginia landlords and property managers.
Download Free PDF Version
Download Free Word Version
You’ll also receive a bonus tenant screening checklist and approval/denial letter templates when you download.
This article and template were last updated November 2025. All references to Virginia law are current as of publication. Laws can change – always verify with official sources such as law.lis.virginia.gov or consult an attorney.
Not legal advice. For personalized guidance, contact a licensed Virginia real estate attorney.