Cal. Civ. Code § 55.1-1318
Penalties for violation of chapter.
Operative Text
If the landlord acts in willful violation of § 55.1-1303 , 55.1-1306 , 55.1-1310 , or 55.1-1314 or if the landlord fails to provide a written, dated rental agreement, the tenant is entitled to recover from the landlord an amount equal to the greater of either the tenant's monthly rental payment at the time of the violation or actual damages and reasonable attorney fees.
Virginia Code § 55.1-1318 establishes financial consequences for landlords who willfully violate certain provisions of the residential rental chapter—specifically §§ 55.1-1303, 55.1-1306, 55.1-1310, or 55.1-1314—or who fail to provide a written, dated rental agreement. When such a violation occurs, the tenant becomes entitled to recover a monetary amount equal to whichever is greater: one month's rent at the time of the violation, or the tenant's actual damages. Reasonable attorney fees are also recoverable under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to Virginia's residential rental chapter should be aware that § 55.1-1318 ties financial exposure directly to willful noncompliance with §§ 55.1-1303, 55.1-1306, 55.1-1310, and 55.1-1314, as well as to the failure to furnish a written, dated rental agreement. A compliant operator generally ensures that rental agreements are documented in writing with a date before occupancy begins and maintains practices that align with each of the referenced code sections. Because the penalty floor under § 55.1-1318 is one full month's rent—plus potential attorney fees—the financial stakes of willful noncompliance can be significant.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Va. Code § 55.1-1318, tenants have a statutory right to seek monetary recovery when a landlord willfully violates §§ 55.1-1303, 55.1-1306, 55.1-1310, or 55.1-1314, or fails to provide a written, dated rental agreement. The recoverable amount is the greater of one month's rent at the time of the violation or actual damages, and the provision also allows for reasonable attorney fees. Tenants who believe this provision applies to their situation may consider documenting the alleged violation, consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Virginia law, or exploring whether the violation can be raised as part of a civil claim.
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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