dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 15 (Residential Ground Rent Act)
§ 55.1-1502. Changes in amount of rent.
The amount of a residential ground rent may be changed on demand of either the obligor or obligee at the end of five years from the date of the agreement, and every five years thereafter, by giving notice to the other party by certified mail or overnight delivery using a commercial service or the United States Postal Service between 90 and 60 days prior to such fifth anniversary. Unless the parties agree otherwise, such change in ground rent shall not exceed the percentage change for the preceding three years in the Average Consumer Price Index for all items, all urban consumers (CPI-U), as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor or such other instrument or agency of the United States or of the Commonwealth as may be designated by the General Assembly. The first of such years shall constitute the base year.

1975, c. 363, § 55-79.03; 2019, c. 712.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 15 (Residential Ground Rent Act)
§ 55.1-1503. Encumbrance on real property.
A residential ground rent shall constitute a lien against the real estate from the time it is recorded. Any deed of trust or mortgage may provide that a default in payment of ground rent shall constitute a default in such deed of trust or mortgage, that the trustee or beneficiary of the deed of trust or mortgage may satisfy such obligation for rent, and that the money used to satisfy such obligation, along with interest, shall be a part of the debt secured, to be repaid as provided in § 55.1-320 et seq.

1975, c. 363, § 55-79.04; 2019, c. 712.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 15 (Residential Ground Rent Act)
§ 55.1-1504. Redemption rights.
The obligor shall have the right to redeem a residential ground rent at any time after three years from the date the ground rent agreement is made. The redemption shall be effected for the amount agreed upon by the obligor and the obligee or, in the absence of such an agreement, shall be determined by capitalizing the ground rent in effect at the time of redemption, using the average rate on long-term business loans charged by commercial banks in the southeast, as published by the Federal Reserve Board. Upon tender of such amount by the obligor, together with any lawfully collectible arrearages of rent and interest thereon, the obligor may redeem the land from, and shall be entitled to a release from, all obligation to pay ground rent. Such release shall be in recordable form and the cost of recording the same, together with any other charges incidental to it, other than the state transfer tax, shall be paid by the obligor.

1975, c. 363, § 55-79.05; 2019, c. 712.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 15 (Residential Ground Rent Act)
§ 55.1-1505. Incorporation of agreement into deed.
A ground rent agreement made pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may be incorporated into the deed or other instrument of transfer in the following form:

This deed is subject to annual ground rent or charge as follows:

1. Date of agreement: ______;

2. Parties:

a. Obligor: ______; and

b. Obligee: ______;

3. Ground rent and any future adjustments to it: ______;

4. When payable: ______;

5. Duration: ______;

6. Original value of land: ______; and

7. Redemption price, if agreed on: ______.

1975, c. 363, § 55-79.06; 2019, c. 712.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 16 (Leases)
§ 55.1-1600. Form of a lease.
A lease may be made in a form substantially similar to the following: "This lease, made the ____ day of ______, in the year ____, between (herein insert the names of parties), witnesseth: that the said ______ does (or do) demise unto the said ______, his personal representative and assigns, all (here describe the property) from the ____ day of ______, for the term of ______, thence ensuing, yielding therefor during the said term the rent of (here state the rent and mode of payment). Witness the following signature (or signatures)."

Code 1919, § 5165; Code 1950, § 55-57; 2019, cc. 11, 49, 712.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 16 (Leases)
§ 55.1-1601. Memoranda of leases and options.
A. In lieu of the recording of a lease, a memorandum of such lease may be recorded, executed by the lessor and the lessee in the manner that would entitle a conveyance to be recorded. Such memorandum of lease shall contain at least the following information with respect to the lease:

1. The name of the lessor;

2. The name of the lessee and a reference to the lease;

3. The addresses, if any, set forth in the lease as addresses of such parties;

4. The date of the memorandum of such lease;

5. A description of the leased premises; and

6. A statement of the term, commencement date or termination date, and rights of extension or renewal, if any, to the extent required to determine the period for which or date to which the lease may be in effect.

B. In lieu of the recording of an option to purchase real estate, a memorandum of such option may be recorded, executed by the grantor of the option in the manner that would entitle a conveyance to be recorded. Such memorandum of option to purchase real estate shall contain at least the following information with respect to the option:

1. The name of the person granting the option;

2. The name of the optionee and a reference to the option;

3. The addresses, if any, set forth in the agreement as addresses of such parties;

4. The date of the memorandum of the option;

5. A description of the optioned premises;

6. The option price or reference to the document containing the method with regard to how the option price is computed; and

7. The statement of the term, commencement date or termination date, and rights of extension or renewal, if any, to the extent required to determine the period during which or date to which the option may be in effect.

1978, c. 628, § 55-57.1; 1982, c. 365; 1984, c. 573; 2019, c. 712.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 16 (Leases)
§ 55.1-1602. Certain covenants of lessee "to pay the rent" and "to pay the taxes.".
In a lease, (i) a covenant by the lessee "to pay the rent" shall have the effect of a covenant that the rent reserved by the lease shall be paid to the lessor, or those entitled under the lessor, in the manner stated in the lease, and (ii) a covenant by the lessee "to pay the taxes" shall have the effect of a covenant that all the taxes, levies, and assessments upon the demised premises, or upon the lessor on account thereof, shall be paid by the lessee or those claiming under the lessee.

Code 1919, § 5178; Code 1950, § 55-76; 2019, cc. 11, 49, 712; 2020, c. 592.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 16 (Leases)
§ 55.1-1603. Certain covenants of lessee that "he will not assign without leave" and that "he will leave the premises in good repair.".
In a lease, (i) a covenant by the lessee that "he will not assign without leave" shall have the same effect as a covenant that the lessee will not, during the term, assign, transfer, or set over the premises, or any part of such premises, to any person without the consent, in writing, of the lessor or the lessor's representative or assigns, and (ii) a covenant by the lessee that "he will leave the premises in good repair" shall, subject to the qualifications of § 55.1-1411, have the same effect as a covenant that the demised premises will, at the expiration or other sooner determination of the term, be peaceably surrendered and yielded to the lessor or the lessor's representatives or assigns in good and substantial repair and condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

Code 1919, § 5179; Code 1950, § 55-77; 2019, cc. 11, 49, 712.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 16 (Leases)
§ 55.1-1604. Covenant of lessor "for lessee's quiet enjoyment.".
A covenant by a lessor "for the lessee's quiet enjoyment of his term" shall have the same effect as a covenant that the lessee, or the lessee's personal representative or lawful assigns, paying the rent reserved and performing his covenants, shall peaceably possess and enjoy the demised premises, for the term granted, without any interruption or disturbance from any person.

Code 1919, § 5181; Code 1950, § 55-78; 2019, c. 712.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 16 (Leases)
§ 55.1-1605. Effect of provision for reentry by lessor.
If a lease provides that "the lessor may reenter for default of ____ days in the payment of rent, or for the breach of covenants," it has the effect of an agreement that if the rent reserved, or any part of such rent, is unpaid for such number of days after the day on which it was due, or if any of the other covenants on the part of the lessee or his personal representative or assigns is broken, then, in either of such cases, the lessor, or those entitled in the lessor's place, at any time afterwards may reenter into and upon the demised premises, or any part of such premises, in the name of the whole, and the same again have, repossess, and enjoy, as of his former estate.

Code 1919, § 5182; Code 1950, § 55-79; 2019, cc. 11, 49, 712.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 16 (Leases)
§ 55.1-1606. Grantees and assignees have same rights against lessees as lessors.
A grantee or assignee of any land leased, or of the reversion thereof, and his heirs, personal representative, or assigns, shall enjoy against the lessee, and his heirs, personal representative, or assigns, the like advantage, by action or entry for any forfeiture or by action upon any covenant or promise in the lease that the grantor, assignor, or lessor, or his heirs, might have enjoyed.

2024, cc. 27, 158.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 16 (Leases)
§ 55.1-1607. Lessees have same rights against grantees as against lessors.
A lessee, his personal representative, or his assigns may have against a grantee or alienee of the reversion, or of any part of such reversion, his heirs, or his assigns the like benefit of any condition, covenant, or promise in the lease as he could have had against the lessor himself and his heirs and assigns, except the benefit of any warranty, in deed or law.

2024, cc. 27, 158.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 16 (Leases)
§ 55.1-1608. What powers to pass to grantee or devisee; when attornment unnecessary.
In conveyances or devises of rents in fee, with powers of distress and reentry, or either of them, such powers shall pass to the grantee or devisee without express words. A grant or devise of a rent, or of a reversion or remainder, is good and effectual without attornment of the tenant, but no tenant who, before notice of the grant, paid the rent to the grantor shall suffer any damage as a result of such payment.

2024, cc. 27, 158.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 16 (Leases)
§ 55.1-1609. When attornment void.
The attornment of a tenant to any stranger is void, unless it is with the consent of the landlord of such tenant or pursuant to or in consequence of the judgment or order of a court.

2024, cc. 27, 158.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 17 (Emblements)
§ 55.1-1700. Law of emblements.
In all cases, the right to emblements shall be as at common law, provided, however, that in any sale of land under a deed of trust or mortgage, such sale shall be made subject to the right and interest of a tenant in any crop planted by him under a bona fide lease for no more than one year, entered into by him with the mortgagor after the execution of such deed of trust or mortgage, but during such time as the mortgagor is allowed to remain in possession of the mortgaged premises and before the premises is advertised for sale under such deed of trust, or under an order in an action brought for the foreclosure of such deed of trust or mortgage.

Code 1919, § 5540; 1928, p. 1146; 1938, p. 762; Code 1950, § 55-249; 2019, c. 712.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 17 (Emblements)
§ 55.1-1701. What rent tenant entitled to emblements to pay.
The tenant who is entitled to emblements, or his personal representative, shall pay a reasonable rent for the land occupied by the emblements in the same proportion as such land bears in quantity and value to the entire premises. Such rent shall be apportioned among the owners of the reversion, if there is more than one, according to their respective interests.

Code 1919, § 5441; Code 1950, § 55-250; 2019, c. 712.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 17 (Emblements)
§ 55.1-1702. Compensation to outgoing tenant for preparation of land for crop.
In the case of an outgoing tenant, those who succeed to the land shall pay such outgoing tenant reasonable compensation for any preparation of such land by the tenant for the purpose of planting a crop if the outgoing tenant, or his personal representative, would have been entitled to emblements had the crop been planted by him.

Code 1919, § 5542; Code 1950, § 55-251; 2019, c. 712.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 17 (Emblements)
§ 55.1-1703. Lessee of life tenant may hold land through end of year on death of tenant; apportionment of rent.
If there is a tenant for life or other uncertain interest in land that is leased to another, upon the death of such tenant for life or termination of such other uncertain interest, the lessee may hold the land through the end of the current year of the tenancy, paying rent. The rent, if it is reserved in money, shall be apportioned between the tenant for life or other uncertain interest, or his personal representative, and those who succeed to the land. If rent is reserved in kind, it shall be paid to the tenant for life or other uncertain interest, or his personal representative, and the tenant or his personal representative, as the case may be, shall pay to those who succeed to the land a reasonable rent, in money, from the expiration of the life estate or other uncertain interest to the end of the current year of the tenancy. The rent to be paid to those who succeed to the land shall be a charge in preference to other claims on the rent received in kind by such tenant or his personal representative.

Code 1919, § 5543; Code 1950, § 55-252; 2019, c. 712.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1802. Developer to register and file annual report; payment of real estate taxes attributable to the common area.
A. Unless control of the association has been transferred to the members, the developer shall register the association with the Common Interest Community Board within 30 days after recordation of the declaration and thereafter shall ensure that the report required pursuant to § 55.1-1835 and any required update has been filed.

B. Upon the transfer of the common area to the association, the developer shall pay all real estate taxes attributable to the open or common space as defined in § 58.1-3284.1 through the date of the transfer to the association.

1993, c. 956, § 55-509.1; 2018, c. 733; 2019, c. 712; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1803. Limitation on certain contracts and leases by declarant.
A. If entered into any time prior to the expiration of the period of declarant control contemplated by the declaration, no contract or lease entered into with the declarant or any entity controlled by the declarant, management contract, or employment contract that is directly or indirectly made by or on behalf of the association, its board of directors, or the lot owners as a group shall be entered into for a period in excess of five years. Any such contract or agreement may be terminated without penalty by the association or its board of directors upon not less than 90 days' written notice to the other party given no later than 60 days after the expiration of the period of declarant control contemplated by the declaration.

B. If entered into any time prior to the expiration of the period of declarant control contemplated by the declaration, any contract or lease entered into with the declarant or any entity controlled by the declarant, management contract, or employment contract that is directly or indirectly made by or on behalf of the association, its board of directors, or the lot owners as a group may be renewed for periods not in excess of five years; however, at the end of any five-year period, the association or its board of directors may terminate any further renewals or extensions of such contract or lease.

C. If entered into at any time prior to the expiration of the period of declarant control contemplated by the declaration, any contract, lease, or agreement, other than those subject to the provisions of subsection A or B, may be entered into by or on behalf of the association, its board of directors, or the lot owners as a group if such contract, lease, or agreement is bona fide and is commercially reasonable to the association at the time entered into under the circumstances.

D. This section shall be strictly construed to protect the rights of the lot owners.

2012, c. 671, § 55-509.1:1; 2019, c. 712.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1805. Association charges.
Except as expressly authorized in this chapter, in the declaration, or otherwise provided by law, no association shall impose a charge against one or more but less than all lot owners unless the charge is (i) a fee for services provided, (ii) related to use of the common area, or (iii) a fee expressly authorized in § 55.1-2316. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent an association from levying or using assessments, charges, or fees to pay the association's contractual or other legal obligations in the exercise of the association's duties and responsibilities. The Common Interest Community Board may assess a monetary penalty for a violation of this section against any (a) association pursuant to § 54.1-2351 or (b) common interest community manager pursuant to § 54.1-2349, and may issue a cease and desist order pursuant to § 54.1-2352.

2008, cc. 851, § 55-509.3, 871; 2011, c. 334; 2014, c. 216; 2015, c. 277; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 592; 2023, cc. 387, 388; 2024, c. 685.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1806. Rental of lots.
A. Except as expressly authorized in this chapter, in the declaration, or as otherwise provided by law, no association shall:

1. Condition or prohibit the rental to a tenant of a lot by a lot owner or make an assessment or impose a charge except as provided in § 55.1-1805;

2. Charge a rental fee, application fee, or other processing fee of any kind in excess of $50 during the term of any lease;

3. Charge an annual or monthly rental fee or any other fee not expressly authorized in § 55.1-1805;

4. Require the lot owner to use a lease or an addendum to the lease prepared by the association;

5. Charge any deposit from the lot owner or the tenant of the lot owner;

6. Have the authority to evict a tenant of any lot owner or to require any lot owner to execute a power of attorney authorizing the association to evict such a tenant; or

7. Refuse to recognize a person designated by the lot owner as the lot owner's authorized representative under the provisions of § 55.1-1823. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the requirements of § 55.1-1828 and the declaration shall be satisfied before any such representative may exercise a vote on behalf of a lot owner as a proxy.

B. The association may require the lot owner to provide the association with (i) the names and contact information of and vehicle information for the tenants and authorized occupants under such lease and (ii) the name and contact information of any authorized agent of the lot owner. The association may require the lot owner to provide the association with the tenant's acknowledgment of and consent to any rules and regulations of the association.

C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to lots owned by the association.

2015, c. 277, § 55-509.3:1; 2016, c. 471; 2019, c. 712; 2022, cc. 65, 66.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1807. Statement of lot owner rights.
Every lot owner who is a member in good standing of a property owners' association shall have the following rights:

1. The right of access to all books and records kept by or on behalf of the association according to and subject to the provisions of § 55.1-1815, including records of all financial transactions;

2. The right to cast a vote on any matter requiring a vote by the association's membership in proportion to the lot owner's ownership interest, unless the declaration provides otherwise;

3. The right to have notice of any meeting of the board of directors, to make a record of any such meeting by audio or visual means, and to participate in any such meeting in accordance with the provisions of subsection G of § 55.1-1815 and § 55.1-1816;

4. The right to have (i) notice of any proceeding conducted by the board of directors or other tribunal specified in the declaration against the lot owner to enforce any rule or regulation of the association and (ii) the opportunity to be heard and represented by counsel at such proceeding, as provided in § 55.1-1819, and the right of due process in the conduct of that hearing; and

5. The right to serve on the board of directors if duly elected and a member in good standing of the association, unless the declaration provides otherwise.

The rights enumerated in this section shall be enforceable by any such lot owner pursuant to the provisions of § 55.1-1828.

2015, c. 286, § 55-509.3:2; 2018, c. 663; 2019, c. 712.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1808. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2023, cc. 387 and 388, cl. 2, effective July 1, 2023
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1817. Distribution of information by members.
The board of directors shall establish a reasonable, effective, and free method, appropriate to the size and nature of the association, for lot owners to communicate among themselves and with the board of directors regarding any matter concerning the association.

2001, c. 715, § 55-510.2; 2019, c. 712.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1818. Common areas; notice of pesticide application.
The association shall post notice of all pesticide applications in or upon the common areas. Such notice shall consist of conspicuous signs placed in or upon the common areas where the pesticide will be applied at least 48 hours prior to the application.

2011, c. 264, § 55-510.3; 2019, c. 712.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1819.1. Limitation of smoking in development.
Except to the extent that the declaration provides otherwise, the board of directors may establish reasonable rules that restrict smoking in the development, including rules that prohibit smoking in the common areas. For developments that include attached private dwelling units, such rules may prohibit smoking within such dwelling units. Rules adopted pursuant to this section may be enforced in accordance with § 55.1-1819.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 131.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1820. Display of the flag of the United States; necessary supporting structures; affirmative defense.
A. In accordance with the federal Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-243), no association shall prohibit any lot owner from displaying upon property to which the lot owner has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use the flag of the United States whenever such display is in compliance with Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code (4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), or any rule or custom pertaining to the proper display of the flag. The association may, however, establish reasonable restrictions as to the size, place, duration, and manner of placement or display of the flag on such property, provided that such restrictions are necessary to protect a substantial interest of the association.

B. The association may restrict the display of such flag in the common areas.

C. In any action brought by the association under § 55.1-1819 for violation of a flag restriction, the association shall bear the burden of proof that the restrictions as to the size, place, duration, and manner of placement or display of such flag are necessary to protect a substantial interest of the association.

D. In any action brought by the association under § 55.1-1819, the lot owner shall be entitled to assert as an affirmative defense that the required disclosure of any limitations pertaining to the display of flags or any flagpole or similar structure necessary to display such flags was not contained in the resale certificate as required by § 55.1-2310.

2000, c. 891, § 55-513.1; 2007, cc. 854, 910; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2010, cc. 166, 453; 2019, c. 712; 2023, cc. 387, 388.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1820.1. Installation of solar energy collection devices.
A. As used in this section, "solar energy collection device" means any device manufactured and sold for the sole purpose of facilitating the collection and beneficial use of solar energy, including passive heating panels or building components and solar photovoltaic apparatus.

B. No association shall prohibit an owner from installing a solar energy collection device on that owner's property unless the recorded declaration for the association establishes such a prohibition. However, an association may establish reasonable restrictions concerning the size, place, and manner of placement of such solar energy collection devices on property designated and intended for individual ownership and use. Any resale certificate issued pursuant to § 55.1-2309 given to a purchaser shall contain a statement setting forth any restriction, limitation, or prohibition on the right of an owner to install or use solar energy collection devices on his property.

C. A restriction shall be deemed not to be reasonable if application of the restriction to a particular proposal (i) increases the cost of installation of the solar energy collection device by five percent over the projected cost of the initially proposed installation or (ii) reduces the energy production by the solar energy collection device by 10 percent below the projected energy production of the initially proposed installation. The owner shall provide documentation prepared by an independent solar panel design specialist, who is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and is licensed in Virginia, that is satisfactory to the association to show that the restriction is not reasonable according to the criteria established in this subsection.

D. The association may prohibit or restrict the installation of solar energy collection devices on the common elements or common area within the real estate development served by the association. An association may establish reasonable restrictions as to the number, size, place, and manner of placement or installation of any solar energy collection device installed on the common elements or common area.

2006, c. 939, §§ 67-700, 67-701; 2008, c. 881; 2009, c. 866; 2013, c. 357; 2014, c. 525; 2020, cc. 272, 795; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387; 2023, cc. 387, 388.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1821. Home-based businesses permitted; compliance with local ordinances.
A. Except to the extent that the declaration provides otherwise, no association shall prohibit any lot owner from operating a home-based business within his personal residence. The association may, however, establish (i) reasonable restrictions as to the time, place, and manner of the operation of a home-based business and (ii) reasonable restrictions as to the size, place, duration, and manner of the placement or display of any signs on the owner's lot related to such home-based business. Any home-based business shall comply with all applicable local ordinances.

B. If a development is located in a locality that classifies home-based child care services as an accessory or ancillary residential use under the locality's zoning ordinance, the provision of home-based child care services in a personal residence shall be deemed a residential use unless expressly (i) prohibited or restricted by the declaration or (ii) restricted by the association's bylaws or rules as provided in subsection A.

2013, c. 310, § 55-513.2; 2019, cc. 2, 30, 712.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1822. Use of for sale signs in connection with sale.
Except as expressly authorized in this chapter or in the declaration or as otherwise provided by law, no association shall require the use of any for sale sign that is (i) an association sign or (ii) a real estate sign that does not comply with the requirements of the Real Estate Board. An association may, however, prohibit the placement of signs in the common area and establish reasonable rules and regulations that regulate (a) the number of real estate signs to be located on real property upon which the owner has a separate ownership interest or a right of exclusive possession, so long as at least one real estate sign is permitted; (b) the geographical location of real estate signs on real property in which the owner has a separate ownership interest or a right of exclusive possession, so long as the location of the real estate signs complies with the requirements of the Real Estate Board; (c) the manner in which real estate signs are affixed to real property; and (d) the period of time after settlement when the real estate signs on such real property shall be removed.

2008, cc. 851, 871, § 55-509.4; 2010, c. 165; 2014, c. 216; 2016, c. 471; 2017, cc. 387, 405; 2018, c. 226; 2019, c. 712; 2023, cc. 387, 388.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1823. Designation of authorized representative.
Except as expressly authorized in this chapter or in the declaration or as otherwise provided by law, no association shall require any lot owner to execute a formal power of attorney if the lot owner designates a person licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-2106.1 as the lot owner's authorized representative, and the association shall recognize such representation without a formal power of attorney, provided that the association is given a written authorization that includes the designated representative's name, contact information, and license number and the lot owner's signature. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the requirements of § 13.1-849 of the Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) and the association's declaration, bylaws, and articles of incorporation shall be satisfied before any such representative may exercise a vote on behalf of a lot owner as a proxy.

2008, cc. 851, 871, § 55-509.4; 2010, c. 165; 2014, c. 216; 2016, c. 471; 2017, cc. 387, 405; 2018, c. 226; 2019, c. 712; 2022, cc. 65, 66; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1823.1. Electric vehicle charging stations permitted.
A. Except to the extent that the declaration or other recorded governing document provides otherwise, no association shall prohibit any lot owner from installing an electric vehicle charging station for the lot owner's personal use on property owned by the lot owner. An association may establish reasonable restrictions concerning the number, size, place, and manner of placement or installation of such electric vehicle charging station on the exterior of property owned by the lot owner.

B. An association may prohibit or restrict the installation of electric vehicle charging stations on the common area within the development served by the association and may establish reasonable restrictions as to the number, size, place, and manner of placement or installation of electric vehicle charging stations on the common area.

C. Any lot owner installing an electric vehicle charging station shall indemnify and hold the association harmless from all liability, including reasonable attorney fees incurred by the association resulting from a claim, arising out of the installation, maintenance, operation, or use of such electric charging station. An association may require the lot owner to obtain and maintain insurance covering claims and defenses of claims related to the installation, maintenance, operation, or use of the electric vehicle charging station and require the association to be included as a named insured on such policy.

2020, c. 1012.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1824. Assessments; late fees.
Except to the extent that the declaration or any rules or regulations promulgated pursuant to such declaration provide otherwise, the board may impose a late fee that does not exceed the penalty provided in § 58.1-3915 for any assessment or installment that is not paid within 60 days of the due date for payment of such assessment.

2013, c. 256, § 55-513.3; 2014, c. 239; 2019, c. 712.

Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1825. Authority to levy additional assessments; authority to borrow.
A. In addition to all other assessments that are authorized in the declaration, the board of directors shall have the power to levy an additional assessment against its members if (i) the purpose in so doing is found by the board to be in the best interests of the association and (ii) the proceeds of the assessment are used primarily for the maintenance and upkeep of the common area and such other areas of association responsibility, including maintenance, repair, and replacement of capital components.

B. The failure of a member to pay the additional assessment allowed by subsection A shall entitle the association to the lien provided by § 55.1-1833 as well as any other rights afforded a creditor under law.

C. The failure of a member to pay the additional assessment allowed by subsection A will provide the association with the right to deny the member access to any or all of the common areas. However, the member shall not be denied direct access to the member's lot over a common area.

D. Unless the declaration provides greater or lesser authority, the board of directors may borrow money on behalf of the association for maintenance, replacement, repair, and restoration of capital components and for funding recommended reserves and shall have the right and power to assign and pledge all revenues to be received by the association, including annual and additional assessments to secure the repayment of any sums borrowed by the association from time to time for such purposes.

1989, c. 679, § 55-514; 1991, c. 667; 1992, c. 450; 1998, cc. 32, 751; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712; 2024, c. 324.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1826. Annual budget; reserve study; reserves for capital components.
A. Prior to the commencement of the fiscal year, the board of directors shall make available to lot owners either (i) the annual budget of the association or (ii) a summary of such annual budget.

B. The board of directors shall:

1. Conduct at least once every five years a study to determine the necessity and amount of reserves required to repair, replace, and restore the capital components as defined in § 55.1-1800;

2. Review the results of that study at least annually to determine if reserves are sufficient; and

3. Make any adjustments to the annual budget and annual assessment the board of directors deems necessary to maintain reserves, as appropriate.

C. To the extent that the reserve study conducted in accordance with this section indicates a need to budget for reserves, the association budget shall include:

1. The current estimated replacement cost, estimated remaining life, and estimated useful life of the capital components as defined in § 55.1-1800;

2. As of the beginning of the fiscal year for which the budget is prepared, the current amount of accumulated cash reserves set aside to repair, replace, or restore capital components and the amount of the expected contribution to the reserve fund for that year;

3. A statement describing the procedures used for estimation and accumulation of cash reserves pursuant to this section; and

4. A statement of the amount of reserves recommended in the study and the amount of current cash for replacement reserves.

D. The board of directors shall have the discretion to meet repair and replacement requirements through replacement reserves, additional assessments, or borrowed funds.

2002, c. 459, § 55-514.1; 2019, cc. 33, 44, 712; 2024, c. 324.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1827. Deposit of funds; fidelity bond.
A. All funds deposited with a managing agent shall be handled in a fiduciary capacity and shall be kept in a fiduciary trust account in a federally insured financial institution separate from other assets of the managing agent. The funds shall be the property of the association and shall be segregated for each account in the managing agent's records in a manner that permits the funds to be identified on an individual association basis.

B. Any association collecting assessments for common expenses shall obtain and maintain a blanket fidelity bond or employee dishonesty insurance policy insuring the association against losses resulting from theft or dishonesty committed by the officers, directors, or persons employed by the association or committed by any managing agent or employees of the managing agent. Such bond or insurance policy shall provide coverage in an amount equal to the lesser of $1 million or the amount of the reserve balances of the association plus one-fourth of the aggregate annual assessment income of such association. The minimum coverage amount shall be $10,000. The board of directors or managing agent may obtain such bond or insurance on behalf of the association.

2007, cc. 696, 712, § 55-514.2; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1828. Compliance with declaration.
A. Every lot owner, and all those entitled to occupy a lot, shall comply with all lawful provisions of this chapter and all provisions of the declaration. Any lack of such compliance shall be grounds for an action to recover sums due, for damages or injunctive relief, or for any other remedy available at law or in equity, maintainable by the association or by its board of directors or any managing agent on behalf of such association or, in any proper case, by one or more aggrieved lot owners on their own behalf or as a class action. Except as provided in subsection B, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees, costs expended in the matter, and interest on the judgment as provided in § 8.01-382. This section shall not preclude an action against the association and authorizes the recovery by the prevailing party in any such action of reasonable attorney fees, costs expended in the matter, and interest on the judgment as provided in § 8.01-382 in such actions.

B. In actions against a lot owner for nonpayment of assessments in which the lot owner has failed to pay assessments levied by the association on more than one lot or in which such lot owner has had legal actions taken against him for nonpayment of any prior assessment, and the prevailing party is the association or its board of directors or any managing agent on behalf of the association, the prevailing party shall be awarded reasonable attorney fees, costs expended in the matter, and interest on the judgment as provided in subsection A, even if the proceeding is settled prior to judgment. The delinquent owner shall be personally responsible for reasonable attorney fees and costs expended in the matter by the association, whether any judicial proceedings are filed.

C. A declaration may provide for arbitration of disputes or other means of alternative dispute resolution. Any such arbitration held in accordance with this subsection shall be consistent with the provisions of this chapter and Chapter 21 (§ 8.01-577 et seq.) of Title 8.01. The place of any such arbitration or alternative dispute resolution shall be in the county or city in which the development is located, or as mutually agreed to by the parties.

1989, c. 679, § 55-515; 1993, c. 956; 2012, c. 758; 2014, c. 569; 2019, c. 712.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1829. Amendment to declaration and bylaws; consent of mortgagee.
A. In the event that any provision in the declaration requires the written consent of a mortgagee in order to amend the bylaws or the declaration, the association shall be deemed to have received the written consent of a mortgagee if the association sends the text of the proposed amendment by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by regular mail with proof of mailing to the mortgagee at the address supplied by such mortgagee in a written request to the association to receive notice of proposed amendments to the declaration and receives no written objection to the adoption of the amendment from the mortgagee within 60 days of the date that the notice of amendment is sent by the association, unless the declaration expressly provides otherwise. If the mortgagee has not supplied an address to the association, the association shall be deemed to have received the written consent of a mortgagee if the association sends the text of the proposed amendment by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the mortgagee at the address filed in the land records or with the local tax assessor's office and receives no written objection to the adoption of the amendment from the mortgagee within 60 days of the date that the notice of amendment is sent by the association, unless the declaration expressly provides otherwise.

B. Subsection A shall not apply to amendments that alter the priority of the lien of the mortgagee or that materially impair or affect a lot as collateral or the right of the mortgagee to foreclose on a lot as collateral.

C. Where the declaration is silent on the need for mortgagee consent, no mortgagee consent shall be required if the amendment to the declaration does not specifically affect mortgagee rights.

D. Except as otherwise provided in the declaration, a declaration may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the lot owners.

E. An action to challenge the validity of an amendment adopted by the association may not be brought more than one year after the amendment is effective.

F. Agreement of the required majority of lot owners to any amendment of the declaration adopted pursuant to subsection D shall be evidenced by their execution of the amendment, or ratifications of such amendment, and the same shall become effective when a copy of the amendment is recorded together with a certification, signed by the principal officer of the association or by such other officer or officers as the declaration may specify, that the requisite majority of the lot owners signed the amendment or ratifications of such amendment.

G. Subsections D and F shall not be construed to affect the validity of any amendment recorded prior to July 1, 2017.

1997, c. 887, § 55-515.1; 1998, c. 32; 1999, c. 805; 2003, cc. 59, 74; 2017, c. 374; 2019, c. 712.
Code of Virginia — Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances), Chapter 18 (Property Owners' Association Act)
§ 55.1-1830. Validity of declaration; corrective amendments.
A. All provisions of a declaration shall be deemed severable, and any unlawful provision of the declaration shall be void.

B. No provision of a declaration shall be deemed void by reason of the rule against perpetuities.

C. No restraint on alienation shall discriminate or be used to discriminate on any basis prohibited under the Virginia Fair Housing Law (§ 36-96.1 et seq.).

D. Subject to the provisions of subsection C, the rule of property law known as the rule restricting unreasonable restraints on alienation shall not be applied to defeat any provision of a declaration restraining the alienation of lots other than such lots as may be restricted to residential use only.

E. The rule of property law known as the doctrine of merger shall not apply to any easement included in or granted pursuant to a right reserved in a declaration.

F. The declarant may unilaterally execute and record a corrective amendment or supplement to the declaration to correct a mathematical mistake, an inconsistency, or a scrivener's error or clarify an ambiguity in the declaration with respect to an objectively verifiable fact, including recalculating the liability for assessments or the number of votes in the association appertaining to a lot, within five years after the recordation of the declaration containing or creating such mistake, inconsistency, error, or ambiguity. No such amendment or supplement may materially reduce what the obligations of the declarant would have been if the mistake, inconsistency, error, or ambiguity had not occurred. Regardless of the date of recordation of the declaration, the principal officer of the association may also unilaterally execute and record such a corrective amendment or supplement upon a vote of two-thirds of the members of the board of directors. All corrective amendments and supplements recorded prior to July 1, 1997, are hereby validated to the extent that such corrective amendments and supplements would have been permitted by this subsection.

1998, c. 32, § 55-515.2; 2001, c. 271; 2019, c. 712.