For housing near James Madison University, can a Virginia rental owner change locks or cut utilities to recover an occupied unit?
DIRECT ANSWER
§55.1-1252; covered residential tenancy, not exempt transient lodging. Source as of: 2026-10-16 Use cited page body and explicit policy period. A page update date does not extend an expired rate or deadline. Confirm current requirements and the actual student, employee, household or property circumstances with the cited authority. No property inventory or named professional is assigned by this answer.
The statute prohibits taking possession by willfully reducing required essential services or refusing the tenant access without a court possession order. Operating plans must use the lawful possession process rather than a self-help lockout.
Answer
The statute prohibits taking possession by willfully reducing required essential services or refusing the tenant access without a court possession order. Operating plans must use the lawful possession process rather than a self-help lockout.
Scope and verification
§55.1-1252; covered residential tenancy, not exempt transient lodging.
Source as of: 2026-10-16
Use cited page body and explicit policy period. A page update date does not extend an expired rate or deadline.
Confirm current requirements and the actual student, employee, household or property circumstances with the cited authority. No property inventory or named professional is assigned by this answer.
Sources & verification
- Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act Retained independently source-supported evidence for the stated question and qualifications
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