Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

The Housing Information webpage contains information and resources for current and prospective residents.

Fair Housing is a term that refers to a person's right to choose housing free from unlawful discrimination. It means that housing choices are not restricted by decisions based on characteristics that have nothing to do with housing. Federal, state, and local fair housing laws protect people from discrimination in housing transactions such as rentals, sales, lending, and insurance. 

The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act handbook has information on the rights, remedies, and responsibilities of landlords and renters concerning the rental process. Before signing a lease, prospective tenants should read and understand the terms of the contract. Visit the Tenant and Landlord Resources page of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for more information.

The City of Harrisonburg enforces the 2021 Virginia Property Maintenance Code. Contact the Department of Community Development Building Inspections Division for questions and concerns at (540) 432-7700 or by email at Permits@HarrisonburgVA.gov.

The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Harrisonburg outlines the regulations governing the use of the buildings and premises, the height of building, the size of yards, tall grass and weeds, inoperable vehicles on private property, etc. The City issues violation notices for zoning violations. Contact the Department of Community Development Planning and Zoning Division for questions and concerns at (540) 432-7700 or by email at ZoningDivision@HarrisonburgVA.gov.

City Code regulates the accumulation of junk and trash, including indoor furniture, on properties. Residents and property owners should ensure that their property is maintained according to City requirements. Contact the Department of Public Works for questions or concerns at (540) 434-5928 or by email at PublicWorks@HarrisonburgVA.gov.

How many people can legally share a home? Zoning regulations restricting how may people can live in a dwelling are called "occupancy restrictions."

The number of people who can live in a dwelling together can depend on a few factors:

1. The zoning district the dwelling is located in, and
2. The relationships of the people living there (family vs. unrelated housemates).

Prevent violation: Check before you sign a lease!

1. Find out what zoning district the property is in.
2. Then, reference the information in the Occupancy tables below to make sure it's legal to live with all of your future housemates. Violation of the maximum occupancy could lead to eviction.
3. Call Community Development if you have further questions or if you're still unsure.

Private Covenants and Restrictions

Some properties have private rules in the deed or through a homeowners association (HOA). These rules may affect whether a dwelling can be rented or how it may be used. The City does not enforce private covenants or HOA rules. Before renting or purchasing a property, check the deed and HOA documents for additional restrictions. Private rules may be stricter than City regulations.

*"Non-owner Occupied" means that the owner of the dwelling unit (house, duplex, townhouse, or apartment) does not live there. 

In a few zoning districts, the maximum occupancy changes if the dwelling is owner-occupied.

⁺"Owner Occupied" means that the owner of the dwelling unit (house, duplex, townhouse, or apartment) lives there.