In one paragraph
Virginia's HB 1252 (as introduced) would add Code § 55.1-1204.2. A landlord with more than 10 rental dwelling units (or more than a 10 percent interest in more than 10) who uses an algorithmic pricing device to set advertised, renewal or offered rent would have to disclose that use in writing, give a plain-language summary of factors on request, and allow human review of rent determinations. The Attorney General could seek an injunction and civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation. Continued to 2027 in the House General Laws Committee on February 3, 2026; it has not passed either house.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None yet: the bill has not been enacted. If enacted, larger landlords using rent-pricing software would have to disclose it, explain its factors on request and offer human review.
Key provisions
- Applies to a landlord who owns more than 10 rental dwelling units, or more than a 10 percent interest in more than 10, in Virginia
- A landlord using an algorithmic pricing device to establish advertised rent, renewal rent or rent offered to a prospective tenant would have to disclose the use in writing, stating that one was used and naming the software, platform or service, before a written rental agreement is signed (or before occupancy under an oral agreement)
- On request, the landlord would give a plain-language summary of the general factors the device considers, without having to disclose proprietary formulas, source code or weighting of inputs
- On request, a tenant or prospective tenant would be entitled to a human review of any rent determination or renewal increase generated or recommended by the device
- A landlord would not misrepresent use of a device, advertise a rent as nonnegotiable solely because a device produced it, or use a device in a deceptive or misleading way
- The Attorney General could seek an injunction and civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation; no private right of action
- Status: continued to 2027 in House General Laws on February 3, 2026 (subcommittee recommended continuing); not passed by either chamber
Latest legislative action
Feb 3, 2026. Continued to 2027 in General Laws (Voice Vote)
Sponsors (showing 5 of 15)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Adele Y. McClure D | Primary |
| Bonita G. Anthony D | Primary |
| Dan I. Helmer D | Primary |
| Don L. Scott D | Primary |
| Terry G. Kilgore R | Primary |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error