VA HB281

Removes the requirement that tenants must pay unpaid rent into court before asserting a defense based on hazardous conditions or landlord noncompliance in eviction proceedings for nonpayment of rent

Allows tenants to assert defenses if the landlord failed to remedy conditions after receiving notice as defined in § 55.1-1200, rather than requiring written notice specifically of the condition

Modifies lease termination provisions so the court may only terminate a rental agreement at the tenant's request, rather than allowing courts to order surrender of premises to landlords

Replaces court authority to refer matters to state/local agencies for investigation with authority to order landlords to remedy conditions resulting from their material noncompliance

Preserves landlords' ability to recover costs and attorney fees when tenants raise defenses in bad faith or caused the violations themselves