VA HB1078

Prohibits landlords who own more than four rental dwelling units in Virginia from taking adverse action against prospective tenants based on their history of dismissed or nonsuited unlawful detainer cases

Adverse actions covered include denying rental applications, increasing security deposits or rent, and imposing more restrictive lease terms

Tenants who experience such adverse action may recover actual damages (including application fees and deposits), statutory damages of $250, and reasonable attorney fees

Requires landlords to consider evidence of family abuse victim status to mitigate negative effects of low credit scores or negative rental payment history on otherwise qualified applicants

Sets maximum application fees at $50 for standard units and $32 for public housing or HUD-regulated units, excluding actual third-party background check costs