Own Rental Property in Virginia but Live Out of State?
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.