The rule in Virginia
Virginia limits a residential security deposit to 2 months' rent. The wording in Va. Code § 55.1-1226: “in an amount or value in excess of two months' periodic rent.”
The return deadline is 45 days, counted from the termination date or the tenant's move-out, whichever is later. The text reads: “within 45 days after the termination date of the tenancy.”
Of the 44 jurisdictions verified here, 36 give landlords less time and 3 give more; the median is 30 days. Illinois, Indiana, Maryland and Oklahoma also allow 45 days.
What the cap means in dollars: $1,000 rent: up to $2,000, $1,500 rent: up to $3,000 and $2,000 rent: up to $4,000.
Worked date: if the clock starts on November 30, 2026, the deadline falls on January 14, 2027.
In neighbouring states with verified rules: Maryland allows 45 days and caps deposits at one month's rent, North Carolina allows 30 days and caps deposits at two months' rent and West Virginia allows 60 days and sets no cap.
If a deposit is not returned, the small claims limit in Virginia is $5,000 (small claims rules); at the cap, a full-deposit claim fits whenever rent is $2,500 a month or less.
Source: Code of Virginia, § 55.1-1226 · last checked October 20, 2026.
If the deposit does not come back
The statute above sets the deadline; what happens after it passes is covered in general terms in the guide on a deposit that is not returned, and the way each state starts and counts the clock is compared in how deposit deadlines are counted.
Questions
How much can a landlord charge as a security deposit in Virginia?
2 months' rent, under Va. Code § 55.1-1226.
How long does a landlord in Virginia have to return a deposit?
45 days: “within 45 days after the termination date of the tenancy” (Va. Code § 55.1-1226).
When does the Virginia deadline start?
The clock runs from the termination date or the tenant's move-out, whichever is later.