# Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1249: Remedies for absence, nonuse, and abandonment

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1249

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1249
- **Heading:** Remedies for absence, nonuse, and abandonment
- **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 5 / Section 55.1-1249

## Text

If the rental agreement requires the tenant to give notice to the landlord of an anticipated extended absence in excess of seven days and the tenant fails to do so, the landlord may recover actual damages from the tenant. During any absence of the tenant in excess of seven days, the landlord may enter the dwelling unit at times reasonably necessary to protect his possessions and property. The rental agreement is deemed to be terminated by the landlord as of the date of abandonment by the tenant. If the landlord cannot determine whether the premises has been abandoned by the tenant, the landlord shall serve written notice on the tenant in accordance with § 55.1-1202 requiring the tenant to give written notice to the landlord within seven days that the tenant intends to remain in occupancy of the premises. If the tenant gives such written notice to the landlord, or if the landlord otherwise determines that the tenant remains in occupancy of the premises, the landlord shall not treat the premises as having been abandoned. Unless the landlord receives written notice from the tenant or otherwise determines that the tenant remains in occupancy of the premises, upon the expiration of seven days from the date of the landlord's notice to the tenant, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the premises has been abandoned by the tenant, and the rental agreement shall be deemed to terminate on that date. The landlord shall mitigate damages in accordance with § 55.1-1251 .

1974, c. 680, § 55-248.33; 2002, c. 761 ; 2019, c. 712 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1245 (Effective until July 1, 2027) Noncompliance with rental agreement; monetary penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1245.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1246 Barring guest or invitee of a tenant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1246.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1247 Sheriffs authorized to serve certain notices; fee for service](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1247.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1248 Remedy by repair, etc.; emergencies](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1248.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1249 Remedies for absence, nonuse, and abandonment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1249.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1250 Landlord's acceptance of rent with reservation; tenant's right of redemption](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1250.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1251 Remedy after termination](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1251.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1252 Recovery of possession limited](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1252.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1253 Periodic tenancy; holdover remedies](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1253.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1254 Disposal of property abandoned by tenants](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1254.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1255 Authority of sheriffs to store and sell personal property removed from residential premises; recovery of possession by owner; disposition or sale](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1255.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1256 Disposal of property of deceased tenants](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1256.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1257 Who may recover rent or possession](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1257.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1249. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.