# Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1251: Remedy after termination

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1251

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-1251
- **Heading:** Remedy after termination
- **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 55.1-1251

## Text

If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord may have a claim for possession and for rent and a separate claim for actual damages for breach of the rental agreement, reasonable attorney fees as provided in § 55.1-1245 , and the cost of service of any notice under § 55.1-1245 or 55.1-1415 or process by a sheriff or private process server, which cost shall not exceed the amount authorized by § 55.1-1247 , and such claims may be enforced, without limitation, by initiating an action for unlawful entry or detainer. Actual damages for breach of the rental agreement may include a claim for rent that would have accrued until the expiration of the term of the rental agreement or until a tenancy pursuant to a new rental agreement commences, whichever occurs first, provided that nothing contained in this section shall diminish the duty of the landlord to mitigate actual damages for breach of the rental agreement. In obtaining post-possession judgments for actual damages as defined in this section, the landlord shall not seek a judgment for accelerated rent through the end of the term of the tenancy.

In any unlawful detainer action brought by the landlord, this section shall not be construed to prevent the landlord from being granted by the court a simultaneous judgment for money due and for possession of the premises without a credit for any security deposit. Upon the tenant vacating the premises either voluntarily or by a writ of eviction, security deposits shall be credited to the tenant's account by the landlord in accordance with the requirements of § 55.1-1226 .

1974, c. 680, § 55-248.35; 1981, c. 539; 1988, c. 68; 1989, c. 383; 1996, c. 326 ; 2000, c. 760 ; 2001, c. 524 ; 2019, cc. 180 , 700 , 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)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SIII_C12_A5_S55.1-1251. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.