VA HB1408

Amends Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act § 55.1-1245 to strengthen protections for tenants who are victims of family abuse, preventing lease termination solely due to acts of family abuse when the perpetrator is barred from the dwelling unit.

Expands the methods by which a perpetrator can be barred from the premises to include protective orders issued as part of a criminal action, in addition to existing civil protective order provisions.

Removes previous requirements that tenants provide written documentation of abuse victim status within 21 days and notify landlords within 24 hours if the perpetrator returns in violation of a bar notice.

Simplifies tenant obligations by requiring only that the tenant provide the landlord with a copy of the protective order, or that the perpetrator be barred by the landlord or court, for protections to apply.