How many residential units must a nonresident property owner have in Virginia to require a resident agent?

A nonresident property owner must have four or more residential units in Virginia to be required to appoint a resident agent. This regulation is designed to ensure that property owners who own multiple units and are not physically present in the state have a designated representative available for legal and official communications. Appointing a resident agent aids in managing responsibilities related to property ownership, such as service of process, and allows for smoother interactions with local authorities and tenants.

When a nonresident owner has fewer than four residential units, the law does not mandate a resident agent, likely due to the reduced complexity and potential administrative burden associated with managing just a few properties. This distinction balances the need for oversight with the practicalities of property management for smaller operations.