WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 1 REQUIREMENT TYPE
How Is This Bill Enforced
Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.
"Algorithmic pricing device" "Algorithmic pricing deviceAlgorithmic pricing device"Algorithmic pricing device" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenants by landlords, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlord may consider charging a tenant. "Algorithmic pricing device" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing device but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenant data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.Va. Code § 55.1-1200" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenantsTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 by landlordsLandlord"Landlord" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the dwelling unit or the building of which such dwelling unit is a part. "Landlord" also includes a managing agent of the premises who fails to disclose the name of such owner, lessor, or sublessor. Such managing agent shall be subject to the provisions of § 16.1-88.03. "Landlord" does not include a community land trust.Va. Code § 55.1-1200, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlordLandlord"Landlord" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the dwelling unit or the building of which such dwelling unit is a part. "Landlord" also includes a managing agent of the premises who fails to disclose the name of such owner, lessor, or sublessor. Such managing agent shall be subject to the provisions of § 16.1-88.03. "Landlord" does not include a community land trust.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 may consider charging a tenantTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200. "Algorithmic pricing deviceAlgorithmic pricing device"Algorithmic pricing device" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenants by landlords, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlord may consider charging a tenant. "Algorithmic pricing device" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing device but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenant data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.Va. Code § 55.1-1200" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing deviceAlgorithmic pricing device"Algorithmic pricing device" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenants by landlords, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlord may consider charging a tenant. "Algorithmic pricing device" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing device but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenant data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenantTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.
"Nonpublic competitor data" "Nonpublic competitor dataNonpublic competitor data"Nonpublic competitor data" means information that is not widely available or easily accessible to the public, including information about actual rent prices, occupancy rates, rental agreement start and end dates, and similar data, regardless of whether the data is attributable to a specific competitor or anonymized, and that is derived from or otherwise provided by another person that competes in the same market as a person or a related market.Va. Code § 55.1-1200" means information that is not widely available or easily accessible to the public, including information about actual rent prices, occupancy rates, rental agreement start and end dates, and similar data, regardless of whether the data is attributable to a specific competitor or anonymized, and that is derived from or otherwise provided by another person that competes in the same market as a person or a related market.
This section amends the existing definitions section of the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to add two new defined terms: algorithmic pricing device and nonpublic competitor data. The algorithmic pricing device definition is broad — it covers any device, service, or product that uses algorithms to calculate rental pricing recommendations based on rent data. However, it carves out two categories: periodic trade association reports published no more than monthly in aggregated and anonymous form, and products used to establish rent or income limits under affordable housing program guidelines. The nonpublic competitor data definition sweeps broadly to include rent prices, occupancy rates, lease dates, and similar data from competitors regardless of anonymization.
(A) 1 No landlordLandlord"Landlord" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the dwelling unit or the building of which such dwelling unit is a part. "Landlord" also includes a managing agent of the premises who fails to disclose the name of such owner, lessor, or sublessor. Such managing agent shall be subject to the provisions of § 16.1-88.03. "Landlord" does not include a community land trust.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 shall, for the purpose of advising the landlord of the amount of rent to charge a prospective tenantTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 for the occupancy of a dwelling unitDwelling unit"Dwelling unit" means a structure or part of a structure that is used as a home or residence by one or more persons who maintain a household, including a manufactured home, as defined in § 55.1-1300.Va. Code § 55.1-1200, use, incorporate, or train an algorithmic pricing deviceAlgorithmic pricing device"Algorithmic pricing device" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenants by landlords, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlord may consider charging a tenant. "Algorithmic pricing device" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing device but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenant data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.Va. Code § 55.1-1200: 1. With nonpublic competitor dataNonpublic competitor data"Nonpublic competitor data" means information that is not widely available or easily accessible to the public, including information about actual rent prices, occupancy rates, rental agreement start and end dates, and similar data, regardless of whether the data is attributable to a specific competitor or anonymized, and that is derived from or otherwise provided by another person that competes in the same market as a person or a related market.Va. Code § 55.1-1200; 2. To coordinate price, supply, or other rental housing information among two or more rental property owners; or 3. To otherwise enter into an agreement, contract, combination, or conspiracy in restraint of the rental housing market that constitutes an unfair method of competition.
(B) 2 If a tenantTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 has a reasonable belief that his landlordLandlord"Landlord" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the dwelling unit or the building of which such dwelling unit is a part. "Landlord" also includes a managing agent of the premises who fails to disclose the name of such owner, lessor, or sublessor. Such managing agent shall be subject to the provisions of § 16.1-88.03. "Landlord" does not include a community land trust.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 has violated subsection A, such tenantTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 may: 1. File a written complaint with the Office of the Algorithmic Rent Pricing Ombudsman; or 2. Bring an action against his landlordLandlord"Landlord" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the dwelling unit or the building of which such dwelling unit is a part. "Landlord" also includes a managing agent of the premises who fails to disclose the name of such owner, lessor, or sublessor. Such managing agent shall be subject to the provisions of § 16.1-88.03. "Landlord" does not include a community land trust.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 in a court of competent jurisdiction to contest the alleged violation by the landlordLandlord"Landlord" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the dwelling unit or the building of which such dwelling unit is a part. "Landlord" also includes a managing agent of the premises who fails to disclose the name of such owner, lessor, or sublessor. Such managing agent shall be subject to the provisions of § 16.1-88.03. "Landlord" does not include a community land trust.Va. Code § 55.1-1200. In any such action, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees.
(C) 1 Subsection A shall not apply to an algorithmic pricing deviceAlgorithmic pricing device"Algorithmic pricing device" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenants by landlords, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlord may consider charging a tenant. "Algorithmic pricing device" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing device but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenant data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 that uses, incorporates, or was trained with nonpublic competitor dataNonpublic competitor data"Nonpublic competitor data" means information that is not widely available or easily accessible to the public, including information about actual rent prices, occupancy rates, rental agreement start and end dates, and similar data, regardless of whether the data is attributable to a specific competitor or anonymized, and that is derived from or otherwise provided by another person that competes in the same market as a person or a related market.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 if such data includes nonpublic executed rental agreement data that is also made available to the general public in an aggregated and anonymous manner at no more than a reasonable charge. When made available to the general public, the presentation of such nonpublic executed rental agreement data may be tailored for the benefit of and usefulness to consumers and presented as a range of average rent prices for properties in a geographic area defined by its zip code, neighborhood, geographical radius of up to 10 miles, or other type of apartment industry submarket.
This section imposes the bill's core substantive prohibition: landlords may not use, incorporate, or train an algorithmic pricing device in three specified anti-competitive ways — with nonpublic competitor data, to coordinate pricing or supply information among competing property owners, or to enter into anti-competitive agreements restraining the rental housing market. The prohibition targets the same horizontal information-sharing harms addressed by federal antitrust enforcement actions against algorithmic rent-pricing tools like RealPage.
Subsection B creates two enforcement avenues: a tenant complaint to the Ombudsman or a private court action. The private action is available to tenants with a reasonable belief of violation and includes prevailing-party attorney fees. Subsection C provides a safe harbor for algorithmic pricing devices that use nonpublic executed rental agreement data only if that data is also made available to the general public in aggregated and anonymous form at reasonable cost, with specified geographic granularity.
(A) 3 The Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, in accordance with § 36-134, shall appoint an Algorithmic Rent Pricing Ombudsman (the Ombudsman) and shall establish the Office of the Algorithmic Rent Pricing Ombudsman (the Office). The Ombudsman shall be a member in good standing in the Virginia State Bar. All state agencies shall assist and cooperate with the Office in the performance of its duties under this chapter.
(B) 3 The Office shall: 1. Assist tenantsTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 in understanding their rights and the processes available to them according to the laws and regulations governing algorithmic pricing devicesAlgorithmic pricing device"Algorithmic pricing device" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenants by landlords, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlord may consider charging a tenant. "Algorithmic pricing device" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing device but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenant data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 and respond to general inquiries; 2. Make available, either separately or through an existing website, information concerning algorithmic pricing devicesAlgorithmic pricing device"Algorithmic pricing device" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenants by landlords, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlord may consider charging a tenant. "Algorithmic pricing device" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing device but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenant data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 and such additional information as may be deemed appropriate; 3. Receive tenantTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 complaints pursuant to subdivision B 1 of § 55.1-1204.2; 4. Ensure that landlordsLandlord"Landlord" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the dwelling unit or the building of which such dwelling unit is a part. "Landlord" also includes a managing agent of the premises who fails to disclose the name of such owner, lessor, or sublessor. Such managing agent shall be subject to the provisions of § 16.1-88.03. "Landlord" does not include a community land trust.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 and tenantsTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 have access to the services provided through the Office and that landlordsLandlord"Landlord" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the dwelling unit or the building of which such dwelling unit is a part. "Landlord" also includes a managing agent of the premises who fails to disclose the name of such owner, lessor, or sublessor. Such managing agent shall be subject to the provisions of § 16.1-88.03. "Landlord" does not include a community land trust.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 and tenantsTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 receive timely responses from the representatives of the Office to inquiries; 5. Maintain data on inquiries received, complaints filed, actions taken, and the disposition of each such matter; 6. Upon request to the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development by (i) any of the standing committees of the General Assembly or (ii) the Virginia Housing Commission, provide to the Director for dissemination to the requesting party assessments of proposed and existing algorithmic pricing deviceAlgorithmic pricing device"Algorithmic pricing device" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenants by landlords, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlord may consider charging a tenant. "Algorithmic pricing device" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing device but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenant data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 laws and other studies of algorithmic pricing issues; 7. Monitor changes in federal and state laws relating to algorithmic pricing devicesAlgorithmic pricing device"Algorithmic pricing device" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenants by landlords, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlord may consider charging a tenant. "Algorithmic pricing device" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing device but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenant data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.Va. Code § 55.1-1200; and 8. Provide information to the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development to report annually on the activities of the Office to the standing committees of the General Assembly and to the Virginia Housing Commission. Such report shall be filed by December 1 of each year and shall include a summary of significant new developments in federal and state laws relating to algorithmic pricing devicesAlgorithmic pricing device"Algorithmic pricing device" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenants by landlords, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlord may consider charging a tenant. "Algorithmic pricing device" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing device but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenant data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 each year.
This section establishes the Office of the Algorithmic Rent Pricing Ombudsman within the Department of Housing and Community Development. The Ombudsman must be a Virginia State Bar member in good standing and is appointed by the DHCD Director. The Office serves as both a tenant-assistance resource and an investigative intermediary — it receives complaints, provides information about algorithmic pricing device law, monitors federal and state legal developments, and reports annually to the General Assembly and Virginia Housing Commission by December 1 each year.
The Office does not itself impose penalties. Its enforcement role is advisory: it investigates complaints, renders decisions on the merits, and may refer matters to the Attorney General for further action. All state agencies must cooperate with the Office.
(A)–(B) A. For the purposes of this section, "complaint" means a complaint filed pursuant to subdivision B 1 of § 55.1-1204.2. B. The Office may initiate and attempt to resolve an investigation upon receipt of a complaint.
(C) The Office may decline to investigate any complaint. Upon declining to investigate a complaint, the Office shall notify the complaining tenantTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 in writing of the decision not to investigate and shall include the reasons for such decision.
(D) The Office shall not charge any fees for the submission or investigation of complaints.
(E) At the conclusion of an investigation, the Office shall render a decision on the merits of each complaint. The Office shall communicate the decision to the complaining tenantTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 and to the Department of Housing and Community Development. The Office shall state its recommendations and reasoning if the Office determines that the Attorney General, or any employee thereof, should consider the matter further. Upon request of the Office, the Attorney General shall inform the Office in writing about any action taken on the recommendations or the reasons for not complying with such recommendations. Aggregated information related to complaints received and complaint resolutions shall be made publicly available by the Office.
(F) Prior to announcing a conclusion or recommendation, the Office shall consult with the Department of Housing and Community Development or any person individually named in the conclusion or recommendation. The Office may request to be notified, within a specified time, by the Attorney General of any action taken on any recommendation presented.
This section defines the Ombudsman's investigative authority and process. The Office has discretion to investigate or decline complaints. When declining, it must provide written notice with reasons to the complaining tenant. At the conclusion of any investigation, the Office renders a decision on the merits, communicates it to the tenant and DHCD, and — where warranted — recommends Attorney General action. The Attorney General must respond in writing about actions taken or reasons for not complying with the Office's recommendations. The Office must make aggregated complaint and resolution information publicly available and must not charge fees for complaint submission or investigation.
(A) 4 If a landlordLandlord"Landlord" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the dwelling unit or the building of which such dwelling unit is a part. "Landlord" also includes a managing agent of the premises who fails to disclose the name of such owner, lessor, or sublessor. Such managing agent shall be subject to the provisions of § 16.1-88.03. "Landlord" does not include a community land trust.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 uses an algorithmic pricing deviceAlgorithmic pricing device"Algorithmic pricing device" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenants by landlords, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlord may consider charging a tenant. "Algorithmic pricing device" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing device but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenant data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 to advise him of the amount of rent to charge a prospective tenantTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 for the occupancy of a dwelling unitDwelling unit"Dwelling unit" means a structure or part of a structure that is used as a home or residence by one or more persons who maintain a household, including a manufactured home, as defined in § 55.1-1300.Va. Code § 55.1-1200, the landlordLandlord"Landlord" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the dwelling unit or the building of which such dwelling unit is a part. "Landlord" also includes a managing agent of the premises who fails to disclose the name of such owner, lessor, or sublessor. Such managing agent shall be subject to the provisions of § 16.1-88.03. "Landlord" does not include a community land trust.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 shall provide to such prospective tenantTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 a written disclosure that states such information. Such disclosure shall be provided prior to the execution by the tenant of a written rental agreement or, in the case of an oral rental agreement, prior to occupancy by the tenantTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200.
(B) 4 Any tenantTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 who is not provided the disclosure required by subsection A may terminate the lease agreement at any time within 60 days of discovery that the landlordLandlord"Landlord" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the dwelling unit or the building of which such dwelling unit is a part. "Landlord" also includes a managing agent of the premises who fails to disclose the name of such owner, lessor, or sublessor. Such managing agent shall be subject to the provisions of § 16.1-88.03. "Landlord" does not include a community land trust.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 used an algorithmic pricing deviceAlgorithmic pricing device"Algorithmic pricing device" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenants by landlords, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlord may consider charging a tenant. "Algorithmic pricing device" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing device but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenant data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 to advise him of the amount of rent to charge a tenantTenant"Tenant" means a person entitled only under the terms of a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others and includes a roomer. "Tenant" does not include (i) an authorized occupant, (ii) a guest or invitee, or (iii) any person who guarantees or cosigns the payment of the financial obligations of a rental agreement but has no right to occupy a dwelling unit.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 by providing written notice to the landlordLandlord"Landlord" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the dwelling unit or the building of which such dwelling unit is a part. "Landlord" also includes a managing agent of the premises who fails to disclose the name of such owner, lessor, or sublessor. Such managing agent shall be subject to the provisions of § 16.1-88.03. "Landlord" does not include a community land trust.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 in accordance with the lease or as required by law. Such termination shall be effective as of (i) 15 days after the date of the mailing of the notice or (ii) the date through which rent has been paid, whichever is later. In no event, however, shall the effective date of the termination exceed one month from the date of mailing.
This section imposes a pre-lease disclosure obligation on landlords who use any algorithmic pricing device — regardless of whether the use is lawful under § 55.1-1204.2. If a landlord uses an algorithmic pricing device to advise on the rent amount for a prospective tenant, the landlord must provide a written disclosure of that fact before the tenant signs a written lease or, for oral agreements, before the tenant occupies the unit.
The remedy for failure to disclose is a tenant termination right: a tenant who discovers the landlord used an algorithmic pricing device without disclosure may terminate the lease within 60 days of discovery, effective 15 days after mailing notice or through the date rent has been paid, whichever is later, but not exceeding one month from mailing.
That the Virginia Housing Commission shall study for a period of one year from the enactment of this act the deployment of algorithmic pricing devicesAlgorithmic pricing device"Algorithmic pricing device" means a device that uses one or more algorithms to perform calculations of data, including data concerning local or statewide rent amounts being charged to tenants by landlords, for the purpose of advising a landlord of the amount of rent that the landlord may consider charging a tenant. "Algorithmic pricing device" includes a service or product that incorporates an algorithmic pricing device but does not include (i) any report published periodically, but no more frequently than monthly, by a trade association that receives tenant data and publishes it in an aggregated and anonymous manner or (ii) a product used for the purpose of establishing rent or income limits in accordance with the affordable housing program guidelines of a local government, the Commonwealth, the federal government, or other political subdivision.Va. Code § 55.1-1200 and similar predictive technologies for the sale of housing in the Commonwealth to determine whether such devices perpetuate systemic biases prevalent in the housing market. The Virginia Housing Commission shall report its findings and any recommendations for legislation to the Chairmen of the House Committee on General Laws and the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology by November 1, 2026.
This clause directs the Virginia Housing Commission to conduct a one-year study of algorithmic pricing devices and similar predictive technologies in housing sales to determine whether such devices perpetuate systemic biases in the housing market. The Commission must report findings and legislative recommendations to the chairs of the House Committee on General Laws and the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology by November 1, 2026. This is a legislative study mandate, not an obligation on private parties.