Does Virginia require a long-term lease offer in a manufactured home park?

Yes. Under Va. Code §55.1-1302(A), 'a landlord shall offer all current and prospective year-round residents a rental agreement with a rental period of not less than one year,' on the same terms as any shorter lease (a discount may be offered for the one-year term). The agreement automatically renews for the same term unless either party gives written notice at least 60 days before expiration (§55.1-1302(B)). This is general information, not advice about a specific increase — consider consulting a licensed attorney in Virginia.

How much notice does Virginia require before changing lease terms or rent?

At least 60 days, at renewal. Under Va. Code §55.1-1302(B), the agreement renews automatically unless the landlord 'provides written notice to the tenant of any change in the terms of the agreement at least 60 days prior to the expiration date'; a tenant who objects in writing within 30 days may decline to renew. On an automatic renewal, the security deposit can't be increased.

Mobile home lot rent rules in Virginia

Q: Does Virginia cap mobile home lot rent or late fees?

It caps late fees, not rent. Under Va. Code §55.1-1302(D), a late charge must be in the written agreement and 'shall not exceed the lesser of 10 percent of the periodic rent or 10 percent of the remaining balance due.' Virginia sets no statewide cap on the amount of rent; the agreement may include only 'fixed rent, utility charges, or reasonable incidental charges' (§55.1-1301).

Virginia has a strong dedicated park law — the Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act, Va. Code Title 55.1, Chapter 13 — that requires a written lease, a one-year-lease offer, and long renewal notice, though it does not cap the amount of rent. The information below describes how the law generally works; anyone dealing with a specific increase should consider consulting a licensed attorney in Virginia.

What the statute says

Under Va. Code §55.1-1301, "before the tenancy begins, all parties shall sign and date a written rental agreement," which "shall not provide that the tenant pay any recurring charges except fixed rent, utility charges, or reasonable incidental charges for services or facilities supplied by the landlord," and "shall not contain a provision prohibiting the tenant from selling his manufactured home."

Section 55.1-1302 controls the term and renewal: a landlord "shall offer all current and prospective year-round residents a rental agreement with a rental period of not less than one year" (subsection A), and the agreement "shall be automatically renewed for a term of the same duration with the same terms" unless either party gives "written notification of an intent to not renew ... at least 60 days prior to the expiration date" or the landlord gives "written notice ... of any change in the terms ... at least 60 days prior to the expiration date" (subsection B). On an automatic renewal, "the security deposit ... shall not be increased." A late charge "shall not exceed the lesser of 10 percent of the periodic rent or 10 percent of the remaining balance due" (subsection D).

How it works in general

A Virginia park resident is entitled to a written rental agreement and an offer of a lease of at least one year, which then renews automatically on the same terms unless 60 days' notice of nonrenewal or a change in terms is given. That makes the renewal date the point at which rent or other terms can change — and a tenant who objects to a change within 30 days can decline to renew. The agreement can include only fixed rent, utility charges, and reasonable incidental charges. There's no statewide cap on the rent amount, but late fees are capped at 10% and a security deposit can't be raised on an automatic renewal.

Common scenarios

General examples Virginia park residents commonly encounter:

A resident wants a real lease. The park must offer a rental agreement of at least one year (§55.1-1302(A)).
The park changes terms or raises rent at renewal. It needs 60 days' written notice, and the tenant can object within 30 days (§55.1-1302(B)).
A late fee looks steep. It can't exceed 10% of the rent (§55.1-1302(D)).

Other authorities that may apply

The Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act (Chapter 13) governs the lease, renewal, and late fees; security deposits follow §55.1-1226 (incorporated by §55.1-1302(C)). A willful violation of certain sections lets the tenant recover the greater of one month's rent or actual damages plus attorney fees (§55.1-1318). Federal law such as the Fair Housing Act can apply to how an increase is administered.