Cal. Civ. Code § 55.1-1252
Recovery of possession limited.
Operative Text
A landlord may not recover or take possession of the dwelling unit (i) by willful diminution of services to the tenant by interrupting or causing the interruption of an essential service required by the rental agreement or (ii) by refusal to permit the tenant access to the unit unless such refusal is pursuant to a court order for possession.
Virginia Code § 55.1-1252 restricts the ways a landlord may reclaim a rental unit. Specifically, it prohibits a landlord from forcing a tenant out by deliberately cutting off essential services—such as heat, water, or electricity—or by blocking the tenant's physical access to the unit. The only lawful way a landlord may deny a tenant access is if a court has already issued an order granting the landlord possession.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Va. Code § 55.1-1252, compliant property owners pursue formal legal eviction proceedings through the courts rather than attempting to pressure tenants out through informal means. Operators generally ensure that essential services required by the rental agreement—such as utilities and heat—remain uninterrupted throughout any tenancy dispute. Denying a tenant entry to the unit is permissible only after a court order for possession has been obtained.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Va. Code § 55.1-1252 gives tenants protection against so-called 'self-help' eviction tactics, meaning a landlord cannot legally lock you out or shut off essential services to force you to leave. If a landlord engages in either of these prohibited actions, a tenant may be able to raise the violation as a defense in court or pursue a complaint through local or state housing authorities. Tenant-rights organizations in Virginia can help explain the range of options available when these protections appear to have been violated.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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