Virginia · Hotels and lodging

The hotel and lodging rules in force in Virginia now.

12VAC5-431 Sanitary Regulations for Hotels (VDH lodging permit for facilities renting more than two rooms) + Code of Va. 35.1-15.1 human-trafficking training (2022 c. 751). Enforced by Virginia Department of Health; local health departments issue lodging permits and inspect; DCJS provides the free course and approves alternatives. Verified on the primary source, re-checked weekly.

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Hotels and lodging in Virginia

Verified on the source
In force

12VAC5-431 Sanitary Regulations for Hotels (VDH lodging permit for facilities renting more than two rooms) + Code of Va. 35.1-15.1 human-trafficking training (2022 c. 751)

Rule 12VAC5-431-420 requires hotels to comply with the SFPC. Guest-facing, management and room-access staff need approved trafficking training within six months of hire, then every two years; VDH checks records at routine inspections since Jul 1, 2023.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Virginia Department of Health; local health departments issue lodging permits and inspect; DCJS provides the free course and approves alternatives

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; the building view resolves them from your ZIP.

What changes next

Rule revision in drafting

VDH stakeholder workgroup is drafting amendments to 12VAC5-431 (VDH page updated May 8, 2026); no proposed text or date

Questions about the hotel and lodging rules in Virginia

Which hotel and lodging rules apply in Virginia today?

12VAC5-431 Sanitary Regulations for Hotels (VDH lodging permit for facilities renting more than two rooms) + Code of Va. 35.1-15.1 human-trafficking training (2022 c. 751). Rule 12VAC5-431-420 requires hotels to comply with the SFPC. Guest-facing, management and room-access staff need approved trafficking training within six months of hire, then every two years; VDH checks records at routine inspections since Jul 1, 2023.

Who enforces the hotel and lodging rules in Virginia?

Virginia Department of Health; local health departments issue lodging permits and inspect; DCJS provides the free course and approves alternatives.

What changes next for the hotel and lodging rules in Virginia?

Rule revision in drafting. VDH stakeholder workgroup is drafting amendments to 12VAC5-431 (VDH page updated May 8, 2026); no proposed text or date

Other areas in Virginia

Everything in force in Virginia

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