# Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.1: Declaration of policy

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.1

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.1
- **Heading:** Declaration of policy
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 5.1 / Section 36-96.1

## Text

A. This chapter shall be known and referred to as the Virginia Fair Housing Law.

B. It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide for fair housing throughout the Commonwealth, to all its citizens, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, source of funds, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability, and to that end to prohibit discriminatory practices with respect to residential housing by any person or group of persons, in order that the peace, health, safety, prosperity, and general welfare of all the inhabitants of the Commonwealth may be protected and ensured. This law shall be deemed an exercise of the police power of the Commonwealth of Virginia for the protection of the people of the Commonwealth.

1972, c. 591, §§ 36-86, 36-87; 1973, c. 358; 1978, c. 138; 1989, c. 88; 1991, c. 557; 2020, cc. 477 , 1137 , 1140 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 477 , 478 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.1 Declaration of policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.1:1 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.1%3A1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.2 (Effective until July 1, 2027) Exemptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.2.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.3 Unlawful discriminatory housing practices](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.3.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.3:1 Rights and responsibilities with respect to the use of an assistance animal in a dwelling](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.3%3A1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.3:2 Reasonable accommodations; interactive process](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.3%3A2.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.4 Discrimination in residential real estate-related transactions; unlawful practices by lenders, insurers, appraisers, etc.; deposit of state funds in such institutions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.4.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.5 Interference with enjoyment of rights of others under this chapter](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.5.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.6 Certain restrictive covenants void; instruments containing such covenants](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.6.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.7 Familial status protection not applicable to housing for older persons](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.7.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.8 Powers of Real Estate Board and Fair Housing Board](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.8.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.9 Procedures for receipt or initiation of complaint; notice to parties; filing of answer](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.9.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.10 Procedures for investigation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.10.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.11 Reasonable cause determination and effect](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.11.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T36_C5.1_S36-96.1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.