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
An itemized statement is how renters learn what the landlord says was damaged, what each deduction was for, and whether the withholding was timely. In Virginia, failure to provide that breakdown can strengthen a renter's challenge even before the underlying repair issue is resolved.
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