The law in plain English
Return deadline
Under Va. Code Sections 55.1-1204, 55.1-1206, 55.1-1208, 55.1-1226, 55.1-1234.1, 55.1-1240, 55.1-1243.2, the deposit response usually has to be sent within 45 days of the move-out timeline described by the state rule.
Required notice
Virginia generally requires an itemized statement of deductions and any remaining refund within 45 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered.
This dispute type
Painting deductions are usually weakest when the landlord is refreshing the unit for the next tenant, covering faded walls, or addressing minor marks from normal occupancy. In Virginia, the refund deadline and deduction notice rules still apply even if the landlord claims the walls needed work.
Penalty leverage
If the withholding was wrongful or in bad faith, the exposure allowed under the statute is: You can recover actual damages plus reasonable attorney's fees