Legal and Tenant Help

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Legal problems can feel scary and confusing. You don't have to figure it out alone. There are legal aid offices in Virginia that help people who qualify, at no cost.

Start with valegalaid.org, or call the legal aid office for your area.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

Where do I start?

valegalaid.org shares plain language legal information and helps you apply for civil legal aid anywhere in Virginia. Legal aid offices help people who qualify with problems like housing, benefits and family matters.

Sources: https://www.valegalaid.org/

Which legal aid office should I call?

• Anywhere in Virginia: the statewide legal aid line, 866.534.5243, or apply at valegalaid.org.
• Richmond area: Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, 804.648.1012 or 800.868.1012.
• Northern Virginia: Legal Services of Northern Virginia, 703.778.6800.
• Hampton Roads: Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, 757.827.5078.

Sources: https://www.valegalaid.org/ https://cvlas.org/ https://www.lsnv.org/ https://www.laseva.org/

What if I'm having trouble with my landlord?

Write down what's happening, with dates. Keep copies of notices, texts and receipts.

Questions about renting and repairs? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you. Legal aid can help you understand your options.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.valegalaid.org/

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Keep a record

Notes, photos and copies of letters can help a lot later.

Think you were treated differently when renting?

Think you were treated differently when renting? You can report it.

The Virginia Fair Housing Office takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/FairHousing

What if I was turned down for benefits?

Read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review.

Legal aid may be able to help.

What if I can't get legal aid?

Legal aid can't help everyone. Ask them who else might help.

Some courts have self help centers.

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You can do this

One step at a time. You're not alone.

Is legal aid a cost?

Legal aid is offered at no cost to people who qualify.

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Take it step by step

Legal problems can take time. Keep your papers together and keep going.

What is small claims court, in plain words?

Small claims is a part of Virginia's general district court for smaller money disputes, like getting a deposit back or being paid for work you did. It's set up so people can tell their side without a lawyer.

The rules, limits, fees and forms are set by the courts and can change, so please read the official guide below and check with the court clerk.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.vacourts.gov/static/resources/small_claims_court_procedures.pdf

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Try talking first

Sometimes a calm letter or call can fix it before court. Keep a copy of what you send.

How do I spot a scam?

Scammers often go after people who are already stressed. If something feels off, trust that feeling.

The Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection office takes complaints and shares tips.

• No real agency will ask you to pay with gift cards or a money app.
• Be careful of anyone who rushes you or says you'll lose help unless you act now.
• Never share your Social Security number, bank info or EBT PIN with someone who calls you.
• Rental scams are common. Don't pay for a place you haven't seen, or to someone you can't confirm owns it.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.oag.state.va.us/consumer-protection/

What if my home needs repairs?

If something in your rental is broken, like heat, water or a leak, start by telling your landlord in writing. Keep a copy, take photos and write down the date.

If things don't get fixed, call legal aid to talk about your options. Questions about what a landlord has to fix? Check the official page below.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.valegalaid.org/

Questions people ask a lot

How do I make the most of each call?

Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.

• Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
• Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
• Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
• Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
• Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
• Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.

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Keep going, friend

If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.

What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.

• Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
• Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
• If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
• Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
• If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
• Dial 211, or search 211virginia.org any time, to look for other options near you.

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You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call where I live?

Here is help that works across Virginia, then local help in the Richmond area and in Northern Virginia, then help for Hampton Roads and other areas. Call ahead for hours.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Virginia

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Greater Richmond

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Northern Virginia

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Hampton Roads and other areas

Every Virginia city and county has a local department of social services. If you don't live in the Richmond area or Northern Virginia, start with yours. Here are a few, plus help in Hampton Roads. Find any local office at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/ or dial 211.

Other local groups may also help.

My legal plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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You're doing the right thing

Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 22, 2026