Stafford County, Virginia: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Stafford General District Court, Civil Division in Stafford, VA. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: see the fee table. Claims up to $5,000. Virginia return time: 45 days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,739. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Stafford General District Court, Civil Division |
|---|---|
| City | Stafford, VA |
| Address | 1300 Courthouse Road, The Judicial Center, Stafford, VA 22555-0940 |
| Phone | (540) 658-8935 |
| Hours | 8:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Statewide filing fee | ~$30-$75 sliding scale + service fee ~$12-$40; see fee calculator |
| Small claims limit | $5,000 (statewide) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 3 years |
| Deposit statute | Va. Code § 55.1-1226 (Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Title 55.1, Chapter 12) |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $5,000 (statewide).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 45 days | Termination date of the tenancy or the date the tenant vacates the dwelling unit, whichever occurs last |
Virginia return rule: 45 days. Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: Stafford General District Court, Civil Division. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Stafford County.
- The Virginia business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. Virginia State Corporation Commission
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
Listed filing or service charges: ~$30-$75 sliding scale + service fee ~$12-$40; see fee calculator
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Check the Virginia filing procedure before you go.
Service methods: constable or sheriff.
Procedure source (medium confidence): The amount one must pay to file a case and serve process may vary, depending upon the court. Ask the clerk of court about the cost.
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Stafford County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,710 | Formula requires case facts | Check the formula | Check the applicable limit and remedy |
| 2 | $1,739 | Formula requires case facts | Check the formula | Check the applicable limit and remedy |
| 3 | $2,009 | Formula requires case facts | Check the formula | Check the applicable limit and remedy |
| 4 | $2,453 | Formula requires case facts | Check the formula | Check the applicable limit and remedy |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Stafford County compare with other Virginia counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,739: rank 6 of 95 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 19.2% of households rent in Stafford County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Fairfax County | $2,073 |
| Prince William County | $1,899 |
| Stafford County | $1,739 |
| Spotsylvania County | $1,710 |
| Albemarle County | $1,599 |
| York County | $1,549 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 95 of 133 listed counties. Census source.
Free legal help
- Virginia Legal Aid - statewide intake network: Statewide phone routing to the local legal aid office for free civil legal help for eligible residents, including housing and eviction problems; this network entry overlaps the individually listed Virginia Legal Aid Society.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Stafford County?
Statewide filing fee: ~$30-$75 sliding scale + service fee ~$12-$40; see fee calculator.
Where do I file a deposit claim in Stafford County?
Stafford General District Court, Civil Division is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.