Policy Watch, market notes, and practical guides for Richmond rental property owners and residents. Written by Brian Hall — owner, broker, and a Richmond rental investor since 2001.
Starting July 1, the written notice period before you can act on unpaid rent moves from 5 days to 14. Plus two new laws that may save you money: insurers can no longer drop you over a roof's age alone, and septic inspections got cleaner rules.
— Property SpotlightAn estate-sale brick ranch in Sherwood Park, listed at $349,950. A home kept by one family for over five decades, the Northside streetcar suburb an Olmsted firm laid out, and what the Diamond District means next.
— Policy WatchThree new laws took effect July 1, 2025 that affect every Richmond landlord. If you're managing your own rental property, there's a real chance you're not compliant. Here's the breakdown — and Richmond's rent cap update.
— Market NotesOur portfolio runs at 6.6% vacancy across 200+ Richmond homes. That's higher than the headline numbers you'll see for the metro — and the gap matters. Here's what we've learned about reading vacancy data honestly.
— Owner GuidesOur portfolio averaged 8.9% rent increases at renewal last year. Some owners aimed higher and lost good tenants. Some held flat and left money on the table. Here's the framework we use to get it right.
— Resident GuidesRental scams are up across Virginia. Real management companies don't ask for Zelle, won't rent sight-unseen, and never use Gmail addresses for "the owner." Here's how to spot fakes — and what legitimate Richmond rentals actually look like.