Slander of title is a false and malicious statement made in disparagement of a person’s title to property that causes the property owner special damages (losses). It is a tort action with stringent pleading and proof requirements.

In a slander of title action the plaintiff must prove that the defendant made a false and malicious statement, disparaging property in which the plaintiff holds an interest, and causing special damages.

In states that recognize a slander of title claim or cause of action, some courts have held that a plaintiff who sues for slander of title must plead and prove the loss of a specific sale—and that a plaintiff who does not meet these pleading requirements may not recover damages.

In Virginia, slander of title is recognized as a tort action where a property owner can sue another party for making false and malicious statements that disparage the owner's title to property, resulting in special damages. To succeed in a slander of title claim in Virginia, the plaintiff must establish that the defendant made a false statement about the plaintiff's property title, that the statement was made with malice, and that it directly caused the plaintiff to suffer specific financial losses. Virginia courts typically require a high level of proof for these elements, and the plaintiff may need to demonstrate the loss of a particular sale or other specific financial harm directly attributable to the slanderous statement. Failure to meet these stringent pleading and proof requirements can result in the inability to recover damages.