Why Virginia Law Requires a Resident Agent — and How Mo Wilson Properties Protects You
If you own rental property in Virginia but live in another state, there is a critical legal requirement many landlords overlook: you must have a Virginia-based Resident Agent. Failing to comply can expose you to missed lawsuits, default judgments, and costly legal problems.
This is one of the most common—and expensive—mistakes made by out-of-state landlords.
What Is the Virginia Resident Agent Requirement?
Under Virginia law, property owners and business entities that operate or own real estate in the Commonwealth must designate a Resident Agent (also called a Registered Agent) with a physical Virginia address.
This requirement ensures that:
Courts can properly serve legal notices
Tenants have a lawful point of contact
The state can enforce housing and landlord-tenant laws
If you do not live in Virginia, you cannot serve as your own resident agent.
Who Must Have a Resident Agent in Virginia?
This requirement applies to:
Out-of-state landlords
LLCs, corporations, and partnerships
Trusts holding Virginia real estate
Owners who self-manage rental properties
Even if you only own one rental property, the law still applies.
What Happens If You Don’t Have One?
Without a proper Virginia resident agent:
Legal notices may never reach you
Court papers can be served without your knowledge
You may lose a lawsuit by default
Evictions can be delayed or dismissed
You could face fines or compliance penalties
Many landlords only discover this requirement after something has gone wrong.
Why a Licensed Property Manager Is the Smartest Choice
A Virginia-licensed property management company can legally serve as your Resident Agent, eliminating risk and handling compliance for you.
This is where professional management becomes more than a convenience—it becomes legal protection.
Why Out-of-State Owners Trust Mo Wilson Properties
Mo Wilson Properties has been providing professional property management services in Virginia since 1991, with the systems, staff, and experience to protect out-of-state landlords.
What Sets Us Apart:
We serve as your Virginia Resident Agent
All property management is handled 100% in-house
No outsourcing, no call centers
Direct communication with our team
State-compliant leasing and legal procedures
Leadership Built on Accountability & Service
Mo Wilson Properties is led by Mo Wilson, a:
United States Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran
Former Washington, DC police officer
Longtime real estate and property management professional
His background in military service and law enforcement defines how we operate:
Clear procedures
Strong documentation
Firm but fair tenant enforcement
Always acting in the owner’s best interest
That discipline matters—especially when legal issues arise.
Technology + Personal Oversight
We use AppFolio, a professional property management platform that allows:
Online rent payments
Maintenance requests
Trackable owner and tenant communication
Full financial transparency
While technology streamlines operations, all decisions and communication remain with our in-house team.
Local Expertise, Statewide Coverage
Most of our managed properties are located in:
Woodbridge
Prince William County
Northern Virginia (NOVA)
However, we manage rental properties throughout Virginia, making us an ideal solution for owners who live out of state.
The Bottom Line for Out-of-State Landlords
If you live outside Virginia and own rental property in the state, you must have a Virginia-based Resident Agent.
Hiring a professional property manager like Mo Wilson Properties:
Keeps you compliant
Protects you legally
Saves time and stress
Helps maximize rental income
Let’s Walk the Property Together
When you’re ready, we would love to schedule a walkthrough of your property, explain our process, and show you how we protect out-of-state owners.
If you own a rental property in Woodbridge, VA, Northern Virginia (NOVA), or anywhere in Virginia, choosing the right property management company can make the difference between steady income and constant headaches.
Mo Wilson Properties has been providing professional residential property management services since 1991, helping landlords protect their investments, secure quality tenants, and maximize long-term returns.
Local Property Management You Can Rely On
We specialize in residential property management in Northern Virginia, including:
Woodbridge
Dale City
Lake Ridge
Dumfries
Prince William County
Fairfax County and surrounding NOVA markets
While most of our portfolio is based in Northern Virginia, we proudly manage rental properties throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Transparent Property Management Fees
Landlords appreciate clarity—and we believe transparency builds trust.
Our standard property management fees include:
10% Monthly Management Fee
$300 Maintenance Reserve
Leasing Fee: ½ month’s rent (only when we list and prepare a new lease)
Renewal Fee: $200
No hidden charges. No surprise add-ons. Just straightforward, professional management.
Full-Service Management — 100% In-House
Many property management companies outsource key functions. We don’t.
At Mo Wilson Properties, everything is handled in-house, including:
Leasing and tenant screening
Rent collection and enforcement
Maintenance coordination
Property inspections
Owner communication
Financial reporting
When you call us, you speak directly with the team managing your property—not a third-party vendor or call center.
Technology That Keeps Owners Informed
We use AppFolio, a leading property management platform that allows owners and tenants to:
Pay rent online
Submit and track maintenance requests
View statements and financial reports
Communicate through a secure, trackable system
This means complete transparency, efficient operations, and fewer headaches for owners.
A Dedicated Local Property Management Team
Our structure ensures every detail of your rental is handled professionally:
Owning rental property can be a powerful way to build long-term wealth—but only if it’s managed correctly. Many landlords choose to self-manage their residential properties, often believing they’re saving money. In reality, self-management frequently leads to costly mistakes that reduce profits, increase legal exposure, and create unnecessary stress.
Here are the top 10 mistakes landlords make when they don’t use a licensed professional property manager—and why working with an experienced team can protect your investment.
1. Improper Tenant Screening
One of the most common mistakes is inconsistent or incomplete tenant screening. Missing red flags like prior evictions, unstable income, or poor rental history can result in months of unpaid rent and expensive evictions.
A licensed property manager uses consistent, legally compliant screening standards to protect you from bad tenants and discrimination claims.
2. Violating Fair Housing Laws
Many landlords unintentionally violate federal or state fair housing laws through advertising language, screening questions, or inconsistent application of criteria. Even one complaint can lead to thousands of dollars in fines and legal fees.
Professional property managers are trained to follow fair housing laws strictly and consistently, reducing your legal risk.
3. Using Weak or Outdated Lease Agreements
Online or generic leases often fail to include state-specific clauses, HOA requirements, maintenance responsibilities, or legally required disclosures. This can make leases unenforceable when problems arise.
Licensed property managers use current, state-approved lease agreements designed to protect landlords in court.
4. Mishandling Security Deposits
Failing to meet deadlines, making improper deductions, or not providing proper documentation can result in penalties—sometimes up to double or triple the deposit.
A professional manager ensures deposits are handled, documented, and returned according to the law.
5. Delayed or Poor Maintenance Decisions
Small maintenance issues become expensive problems when ignored. Unlicensed or uninsured contractors can also expose owners to liability.
Property managers maintain vendor networks, negotiate better pricing, and document repairs properly—protecting both the property and the owner.
6. Incorrect Rental Pricing
Overpricing leads to longer vacancies. Underpricing leaves money on the table every month. Emotional or outdated pricing strategies can cost landlords thousands per year.
Professional managers rely on real-time market data to maximize rental income while minimizing vacancy.
7. Inconsistent Rent Collection
Allowing late payments, accepting partial rent incorrectly, or failing to issue proper notices weakens your legal position and encourages poor tenant behavior.
Licensed property managers enforce clear, consistent rent collection policies that protect your rights.
8. Improper Eviction Handling
Self-help evictions, incorrect notices, or missed court procedures can delay the process for months—or expose landlords to lawsuits.
A professional property manager understands the legal eviction process and ensures everything is done by the book.
9. Poor Record Keeping
Incomplete records, mixed funds, and missing documentation can create problems during audits, disputes, or tax season.
Property managers provide organized financial records, maintenance logs, and year-end reporting, giving you peace of mind.
10. Emotional Decision-Making
Many landlords avoid rent increases, give repeated chances to problem tenants, or delay action because they feel uncomfortable enforcing rules.
Professional managers remove emotion from the process and make business-focused decisions that protect your investment.
Why Professional Property Management Pays for Itself
A licensed property manager doesn’t just collect rent—they protect your asset. The cost of management is often far less than the cost of:
One bad tenant
One legal mistake
One prolonged vacancy
In most cases, professional management increases net income while reducing risk and stress.
Ready to Protect Your Investment?
If you’re tired of late payments, tenant issues, or legal uncertainty, professional management may be the smartest move you make.
Contact Mo Wilson Properties today to learn how we can help you maximize returns and minimize headaches.
Our slogan brings to mind romance, but that isn’t all Virginia is about. We are lovers of mountains, rivers, beaches, wine…every square inch of the state provides an opportunity for a memorable experience, no matter what your interests.
Located midway between New York and Florida, Virginia is in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Commonwealth is bordered by Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, and Maryland to the north; the Atlantic Ocean to the east; North Carolina and Tennessee to the south; and West Virginia and Kentucky to the west. Virginia is a southeastern U.S. state stretching from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains. With historical landmarks including Arlington Cemetery, Monticello, the Jamestown Settlement, Colonial Williamsburg, and Virginia Beach.
Here in Northern Virginia we have our own easy access to much of the variety and historical monuments of the area. Manassas National Battlefield Park where the historical battle of Bull Run occurred. George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Easy access to all the splendor and National Monuments in Washington D.C. including Arlington Cemetery, the John F. Kennedy grave site, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington memorials, and so many more.
Along with historic sites, Virginia has coastline for fun at nearby beaches like Virginia Beech. Northern Virginia has options such as METRO trains, Metro buses, and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) offering NOVA commuters a variety of transportation options. Schools such as Georgetown University, George Mason University, and Northern Virginia Community College, are in Northern VA. Other well known colleges are within a short distance to NOVA such as UVA, University of Mary Washington, Virginia Tech, University of Richmond, William & Mary, VPI, James Madison University and many more. Northern Virginia , locally referred as NOVA, sits in the hub of it all.
The area is business driven due to the proximity to the federal government, tech companies, and military bases. Additional employment opportunities in NOVA run from small business to major corporations. NOVA is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and a number of technology based companies such as BioSpace, Lockheed Martin, Micron, SYSUSA, Inc., S.W.I.F.T, and more.
Along with great employment options, communities run from rural to city life. Apartments and condos, to town homes and single family home options. Real Estate options in in the Northern Virginia area is on the upswing. It is a great time to buy or sell in Northern Virginia.
Arlington County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, often referred to simply as Arlington or Arlington, Virginia. The county is situated in Northern Virginia on the southwestern bank of the Potomac River directly across from the District of Columbia, of which it was once a part. As the nation’s first LEED Platinum certified community, Arlington County is a nationally recognized leader in creating a sustainable and resilient urban environment. There is a long-proven success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing stormwater, fostering environmental stewardship, and promoting residents’ health and well-being. With nearby communities in Crystal City, Rosslyn, and Arlington Heights, there are many cultural activities available.
Arlington County has a lot going for it. A solid public-school system, a healthy population, ample nightlife venues and accessible public transit. All of this makes the Northern Virginia county among the best place to live in America, according to a new report dated 2016. Arlington was recognized recently by Niche.Com as the “Best City to Live in America” in 2020. Along with being the home of the Pentagon, the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), Arlington National Cemetery, and the United States Air Force Memorial, Arlington County is home to approximately 216,700 people.
The topmost slot to live in Arlington County went to Bluemont, an Arlington suburb home to just under 6,000 people bounded to the north and east by Interstate 66 and North Glebe Road near Ballston. Bluemont received grades of A- or above in nearly every criteria, including public school quality, diversity, family living and jobs — with the notable exception of cost of living, which earned a C+. “Most residents own their homes,” noted Niche’s description for the neighborhood. “In Bluemont, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops and parks.”
There are 3.41 miles from Arlington to Washington in northeast direction and 5 miles (8.05 kilometers) by car, following the US-50 E route. Arlington and Washington are 7 minutes far apart, if you drive non-stop .
Clarendon is an urbanized, upper-class neighborhood in Arlington County, Virginia, located between the Rosslyn and Ballston areas. You will find shoppers browsing at Market Common Clarendon and other local favorites, families enjoying a weekend brunch on the patio, and visitors exploring Clarendon’s dining and entertainment. You can also find restaurants here that serve tapas, Balkan cuisine or classic American, plus rooftop and sidewalk dining in warmer months. Clarendon is especially known for lively nightlife, a perfect location for a great date night at any age, and a center of activity for the younger crowd. If you’re looking for fun in the evenings, you’ll always find it in Clarendon. It’s easy to be drawn to Clarendon, a neighborhood that defines urban chill.
Great Falls is in Fairfax County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. Living in Great Falls offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. In Great Falls there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks And the public schools in Great Falls are highly rated. Located on Virginia State Route 7 in Northern Virginia, Great Falls is 15 miles (24 km) west-northwest of downtown Washington, D.C. and 10.5 miles (16.9 km) north of Fairfax, the county seat.
The first sight of unrestrained greenery upon heading west into Virginia from Washington, D.C., is the town of Great Falls, a leafy refuge for the power players that brave the Beltway every morning. Here, twisting country lanes converge on a town center with a green, a local coffee shop, and store owners who call their customers by name. Great Falls is a census-designated place in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. The population as of the 2010 census was 15,427, an increase of 80.5% from the 2000 census. CNN Money ranked Great Falls first in the nation on its list of “top earning towns” in 2011
These trees, pastures and open space—only 17 miles west of the White House—don’t come cheap. The town has a median real estate price of $1.7 million (homes have sold for $8 million and up), putting it in the top 10 percent of Virginia neighborhoods. One could say it’s the Beverly Hills of the D.C. metro area. But unlike the self-promotion of Rodeo Drive, this town is all about discretion.
Here, despite its resident roster of boldface names, people make an active effort to create a close-knit community, tied together by history and traditions in what some would describe as the often-rootless northern Virginia area. There’s a town square with a white painted gazebo right out of an Andy Hardy movie, a weekly gathering of vintage car enthusiasts and an annual Easter egg hunt with gemstones from a local jewelry store hidden in eggs for a lucky few.
Located along the Potomac River and adjacent to the 800-acre national park of the same name, the village of Great Falls was originally known, unofficially, as Forestville, until it was named in 1955, later including several other small communities in the area after a new post office was built in 1959.
You will certainly want to visit Great Falls Park. Great Falls Virginia is one of the most popular natural destinations in the Washington DC area, visited by locals and tourists from around the world. The Potomac River courses through dramatic waterfalls, rapids, and a narrow gorge at Great Falls Park. The US National Park Service manages this Virginia gem, maintains excellent facilities, and hosts ranger-led events at the park.
At the Great Falls of the Potomac, the river drops 76 feet in less than a mile. At the same time, the banks narrow from 1000 feet wide to only 60 to 100 feet as the river passes through Mather Gorge. The combination of dropping and narrowing as the river passes over jagged rocks creates a dramatic series of waterfalls and rapids. It’s a stunning, and easy to reach slice of nature only 18 miles from busy Washington DC.
Great Falls is part of the George Washington National Parkway, a scenic drive connecting historic sites from here to George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
The City of Fairfax, colloquially known as Fairfax City, Downtown Fairfax, Old Town Fairfax, Fairfax Courthouse, or simply Fairfax, is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. As of the 2010 census the population was 22,565, which had risen to an estimated 24,019 as of 2019. Fairfax is 18 miles from Washington D.C. without traffic it is a short 29 minute drive. Of course, traffic is going to make a big difference so make sure you check that before leaving.
Located within Fairfax County which is home to hospitals that rank as best in the region by US News & World Reports. With 116 million square feet of space (and growing), Fairfax County has the second largest suburban office market in the United States and the largest in the Washington, DC area. Located just minutes from Washington, D.C., Fairfax County places you in the heart of the many sites and attractions the Capital Region has to offer. You’ll discover a whole new world of wonderful places to explore – from incredible historic sites to the very best shopping around.
Key Information:
Fairfax County Public Schools rank in the top ten largest school systems in the United States, is the largest in Virginia, and continually tops US News & World Reports’ list of Top Schools in America.
Fairfax County is home to hospitals that rank as best in the region by US News & World Reports.
With 116 million square feet of space (and growing), Fairfax County has the second largest suburban office market in the United States and the largest in the Washington, DC area.
Fairfax County is home to 11 Fortune 500 company headquarters, as of 2020.
Fairfax County has the largest concentration of technology jobs of any major US market.
Fairfax County is also home to some of the top emergency responders on international crisis teams in the country, most notably Virginia Task Force 1, VATF-1.
Fairfax County continually ranks in the Top 5 of Forbes‘ list of wealthiest counties in America.
Fairfax County offers more attractions than any other area in Northern Virginia and has more than 19,000 hotel rooms.
Fairfax County is surrounded by three major airports, Washington Dulles International to the west, Ronald Reagan National Airport to the east, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport just northeast.
The Fairfax housing market is very competitive. Homes in Fairfax receive 3 offers on average and sell in around 21 days. The average sale price of a home in Fairfax was $573K in 2020, up 9.1% since 2019.
Fredericksburg is in Fredericksburg City County and is among the best places to live in Virginia. Living in Fredericksburg offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Fredericksburg there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Fredericksburg is an independent city located in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 24,286, an increase from 19,279 at the 2000 census. The city population was estimated at 29,036 in 2019.
Fredericksburg is located 53 miles (85 km) south of Washington D.C. and 58 miles (94 km) north of Richmond.
With its location just an hour south of Washington DC, the charming Virginia town has an important place in American history. It was the childhood home to George Washington, a major port during the colonial era and the site of major battles during the Civil War. Located near where the Rappahannock River crosses the Atlantic Seaboard fall line, Fredericksburg was a prominent port in Virginia during the colonial era. During the Civil War, Fredericksburg, located halfway between the capitals of the opposing forces, was the site of the Battle of Fredericksburg and Second Battle of Fredericksburg. These battles are preserved, in part, as the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.
Fredericksburg is home to several major retail and commercial centers including Central Park and the Spotsylvania Towne Centre, located in Spotsylvania County adjacent to the city. Major employers include the University of Mary Washington, Mary Washington Healthcare, and GEICO. Many Fredericksburg-area residents commute to work by car, bus, and rail to Washington D.C. and Richmond, as well as Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington counties.
Leesburg is located in Loudoun County VA just 25 miles outside Washington D.C.. Loudoun County has attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, beer and wine aficionados and history buffs alike. Leesburg is the seat of government for Loudoun County and a picturesque little burg with a historic downtown bustling with restaurants, cafes, bars, breweries, boutiques and chic home décor stores. Stay in a colonial-era inn, dine on oysters, tacos and farm-to-table fare on King Street, and soak up the storied ambience of a town that’s been home to icons such as General George C. Marshall and is now residence to artists, designers, tech entrepreneurs, NFL stars and more.
The Town’s citizens are active and involved in making Leesburg the best place that it can be. Established in 1758, the town’s rich history spans three centuries. Leesburg is one of the best places to live in Virginia. Living in Leesburg offers residents a dense suburban feel where most residents own their homes. You will find many families and young professionals living in the area. The standard of living in Leesburg ranks as #5469 most affordable out of the 6522 places measured in Virginia.
Community events like the annual Flower & Garden Festival, the 4th of July parade & fireworks, Holidays in Leesburg, the Acoustic on the Green summer concert series, and the year-round Leesburg Farmers Market.
