# Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1239: Wrongful failure to supply an essential service

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1239

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1239
- **Heading:** Wrongful failure to supply an essential service
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 55.1 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 4 / Section 55.1-1239

## Text

A. If contrary to the rental agreement or provisions of this chapter the landlord willfully or negligently fails to supply an essential service, the tenant shall serve a written notice on the landlord specifying the breach, if acting under this section, and, in such event and after allowing the landlord reasonable time to correct such breach, may:

1. Recover damages based upon the diminution in the fair rental value of the dwelling unit; or

2. Procure reasonable substitute housing during the period of the landlord's noncompliance, in which case the tenant is excused from paying rent for the period of the landlord's noncompliance, as determined by the court.

B. If the tenant proceeds under this section, he shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees; however, he may not proceed under § 55.1-1234 as to that breach. The rights of the tenant under this section shall not arise until he has given written notice to the landlord; however, no rights arise if the condition was caused by the deliberate or negligent act or omission of the tenant, an authorized occupant, or a guest or invitee of the tenant.

1974, c. 680, § 55-248.23; 1982, c. 260; 2000, c. 760 ; 2019, c. 712 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1234 Noncompliance by landlord](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1234.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1234.1 Uninhabitable dwelling unit](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1234.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1235 Early termination of rental agreement by military personnel](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1235.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1236 Early termination of rental agreements by victims of family abuse, sexual abuse or other criminal sexual assault, or stalking](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1236.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1237 Notice to tenant in event of foreclosure](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1237.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1238 Failure to deliver possession](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1238.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1239 Wrongful failure to supply an essential service](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1239.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1240 (Effective until January 1, 2027) Fire or casualty damage](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1240.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1241 Landlord's noncompliance as defense to action for possession for nonpayment of rent](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1241.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1242 Rent escrow required for continuance of tenant's case](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1242.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1243 Repealed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1243.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1243.1 Tenant's remedies for exclusion from dwelling unit, interruption of services, or actions taken to make premises unsafe](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1243.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1243.2 Tenant's remedies for exclusion from dwelling unit due to condemnation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1243.2.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1244 (Effective January 1, 2027) Tenant's assertion; rent escrow](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1244.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A4_S55.1-1239. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.