Does Virginia Require Renters Insurance?
Virginia law doesn't make every tenant buy renters insurance, but under Va. Code § 55.1-1206 a landlord may require it as a condition of tenancy if the lease says so. Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1206 (checked 2026-11-07)
- 1Lease requires insurance
The rental agreement must say so. - 2Landlord gives written notice
You may get your own policy instead of theirs. - 3You show proof
Or the landlord covers you and bills premiums as rent.
Up-front cap checker
Deposit + damage insurance + renter's insurance due before move-in: max 2 months' rent.
Enter the monthly rent and what the landlord wants before move-in.
Not legal advice. Based on Va. Code § 55.1-1206.
What a Virginia landlord must, may and can't do
Landlord must
- Put the insurance requirement in the rental agreement
- Notify you in writing you may buy your own policy
- If they supply the policy: give a summary or certificate before signing, and the policy on request
Landlord may
- Require renter's insurance as a condition of tenancy
- Enroll you in theirs if your policy lapses, billed as rent
- Recover actual insurance costs plus administrative fees
Landlord can't
- Treat insurance premiums as a security deposit (they are rent)
- Charge deposits + damage insurance + renter's insurance up front above 2 months' rent
Before you sign in Virginia
- Does the lease require renter's insurance? If not, you should have a written notice instead.
- Did you get the policy summary or certificate, including whether it has a waiver of subrogation?
- Did you get the written notice that you may use your own policy?
- Do deposit + damage insurance + renter's premiums due up front add up to 2 months' rent or less?
- If the lease doesn't require insurance: does the notice say the landlord isn't responsible for your belongings, their insurance doesn't cover them, and you should get your own?
A missing summary or notice doesn't void the lease. Renters insurance does not cover flood damage; the required notice points to FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and the Virginia DCR Flood Risk Information System.
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Scan my lease freeVirginia renters insurance FAQ
Can a landlord require renters insurance in Virginia?
Yes, if the rental agreement says so. Under Va. Code § 55.1-1206(B), a landlord may require renter's insurance as a condition of tenancy as specified in the rental agreement. State law does not require every tenant to buy it.
Can I use my own renters insurance policy in Virginia?
Yes. The landlord must tell you in writing that you have the right to get a separate policy instead of the landlord's policy. If you choose your own, you give the landlord written proof and keep the policy in place during the lease.
What happens if my renters insurance lapses in Virginia?
If a required policy lapses, the landlord may put you on the landlord's renter's insurance and charge the premiums as rent until you show written proof that your coverage is reinstated.
Does renters insurance count toward the Virginia security deposit limit?
Premium payments are rent, not a security deposit. But if the landlord requires premiums to be paid before the tenancy starts, the total of all security deposits, damage insurance premiums and renter's insurance premiums can't exceed two months' periodic rent. A landlord may still add a monthly amount as additional rent to recover extra renter's insurance premium costs.
Does renters insurance cover floods in Virginia?
Virginia's required notice says renters insurance does not cover flood damage, and points to FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and the Virginia DCR Flood Risk Information System.
Related
Virginia tenant laws
Deposits, late fees, entry, notice and more
Security deposit limit calculator
Is your deposit legal in your state?
Landlord not liable clause
When hold-harmless wording is void or limited
General information only, not legal advice. Based on Va. Code § 55.1-1206, checked 2026-11-07; rules change, so check the statute before acting.