Cal. Civ. Code § 55.1-1228
Rules and regulations.
Operative Text
A. A landlord, from time to time, may adopt rules or regulations, however described, concerning the tenant's use and occupancy of the dwelling unit and premises. Any such rule or regulation is enforceable against the tenant only if: 1. Its purpose is to promote the convenience, safety, or welfare of the tenants in the premises, preserve the landlord's property from abusive use, or make a fair distribution of services and facilities held out for the tenants generally; 2. It is reasonably related to the purpose for which it is adopted; 3. It applies to all tenants in the premises in a fair manner; 4. It is sufficiently explicit in its prohibition, direction, or limitation of the tenant's conduct to fairly inform him of what he is required to do or is prohibited from doing to comply; 5. It is not for the purpose of evading the obligations of the landlord; and 6. The tenant has been provided with a copy of the rules and regulations or changes to such rules and regulations at the time he enters into the rental agreement or when they are adopted. B. A rule or regulation adopted, changed, or provided to the tenant after the tenant enters into the rental agreement shall be enforceable against the tenant if reasonable notice of its adoption or change has been given to the tenant and it does not constitute a substantial modification of his bargain. If a rule or regulation adopted or changed after the tenant enters into the rental agreement does constitute a substantial modification of his bargain, it shall not be valid unless the tenant consents to it in writing. C. Any court enforcing this chapter shall consider violations of the reasonable rules and regulations imposed under this section as a breach of the rental agreement and grant the landlord appropriate relief.
Virginia Code § 55.1-1228 establishes the conditions under which a landlord's rules and regulations are legally binding on tenants. To be enforceable, a rule must serve a legitimate purpose (such as safety or fair use of shared facilities), apply fairly to all tenants, be clearly written, and be provided to the tenant in writing. Rules introduced after a lease is signed can only be enforced if reasonable notice is given and the rule does not substantially change the terms of the tenancy — and if it does constitute a substantial change, the tenant must agree to it in writing.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Va. Code § 55.1-1228, compliant operators ensure that any property rules or regulations are documented, distributed to tenants at lease signing, and written with enough clarity that tenants can understand exactly what is required or prohibited. Rules must apply consistently across all tenants and must be genuinely tied to purposes like safety, property preservation, or fair distribution of shared amenities — not to circumvent landlord obligations. When rules are updated mid-tenancy, operators generally provide reasonable advance written notice and obtain written tenant consent before implementing any change that would substantially alter the terms of the existing rental agreement.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Va. Code § 55.1-1228 gives tenants the right to challenge rules or regulations that were never properly provided to them, that apply unfairly, that lack a legitimate purpose, or that were introduced mid-lease without proper notice. If a post-move-in rule substantially changes the terms of your tenancy, it is not enforceable without your written consent. Tenants who believe a rule violates these standards may raise the issue as a defense in any court proceeding, or may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with Virginia landlord-tenant law for general information about available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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