How many days must a tenant be away from the rental property for the landlord to enter?

In Virginia, a landlord is permitted to enter a rental property if the tenant has been absent for a period of seven consecutive days without notifying the landlord. This provision is designed to give landlords a means to ensure the property is being maintained and to check for any emergency situations, such as maintenance issues or safety concerns, when a tenant is away for an extended period.

The requirement for a seven-day absence strikes a balance between a landlord's right to access the property and a tenant's right to privacy. This timeframe allows landlords to act efficiently while respecting the tenant's space. Therefore, the correct understanding is rooted in this specific duration outlined in Virginia real estate law.

The other options do not align with the legal framework provided by Virginia law, as they exceed the stipulated timeframe for a landlord's right to enter the property based on the tenant's absence.