Alexandria City Landlord-Tenant Law

Virginia landlord guide — city ordinances, courthouse info & local rules

Alexandria City Rental Market Overview

Alexandria is one of Virginia’s most densely settled and historically significant independent cities, situated directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. With a population of approximately 160,000, the city is a premier DC commuter destination anchored by the Old Town waterfront, the Carlyle and Eisenhower Avenue office corridors, and the emerging Potomac Yard Amazon HQ2 / National Landing area. The Metro system (Blue, Yellow, and soon-to-expand Silver lines) gives Alexandria some of the strongest transit access of any Virginia jurisdiction, driving sustained rental demand from federal employees, contractors, military personnel (Fort Belvoir proximity), and private sector workers.

Year-round rents run $1,900–$3,200/month and higher for luxury units. The GDC at 520 King Street, Second Floor runs Unlawful Detainers at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday & Wednesday (half-hour interval segmented docket; mass filers must verify date first with Civil at (703) 746-4021); Warrants in Debt, Garnishments & All Other Civil Cases at 1:30 p.m. at half-hour intervals; Civil Trials at 9:30 a.m. Thursday; Small Claims at 11:00 a.m. Thursday. Continuances for civil and criminal granted by Judge; infractions by Clerk for one continuance. Important electronics policy: effective April 1, 2025, all persons (including attorneys) must obtain a color-coded badge/lanyard from the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office to bring electronics into the courthouse — attorney bar cards no longer suffice.

Alexandria City Ordinances & Local Rules

Last verified: March 2026 · Source: Alexandria GDC — 18th Judicial District

Virginia State Law Framework

⚡ Quick Overview

5

Days Notice (Nonpayment)

21

Days Notice (Violation)

45-75

Avg Total Days

$58

Filing Fee (Approx)

💰 Nonpayment of Rent

Notice Type 5-Day Pay or Quit Notice

Notice Period 5 days

Tenant Can Cure? Yes

Days to Hearing 21-30 days

Days to Writ 10 days

Total Estimated Timeline 45-75 days

Total Estimated Cost $150-$400

⚠️ Watch Out

Virginia requires 5-day written pay-or-quit notice (§55.1-1245(F)). No statutory grace period, but rent must be 5 days late before late fees apply (§55.1-1204.1). Tenant can redeem tenancy by paying all rent, late fees, attorney fees, and court costs on or before the court return date (§55.1-1250). Tenant may also present a "redemption tender" - a written commitment from a government or nonprofit entity to pay within 10 days of return date. Late fee cap: 10% of periodic rent. The Eviction Diversion Program was renewed and expanded in 2025, allowing qualifying lower-income tenants to be placed on court-ordered payment plans.

📜 Eviction Laws Main 📊 Compare This State

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📝 Virginia Eviction Process (Overview)

1. Serve the required notice based on the eviction reason (nonpayment or lease violation).
2. Wait for the notice period to expire. If tenant cures the issue (where allowed), the process stops.
3. File an eviction case with the General District Court. Pay the filing fee (~$58).
4. Tenant is served with a summons and has the opportunity to respond.
5. Attend the court hearing and present your case.
6. If you prevail, obtain a writ of possession from the court.
7. Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant if necessary.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Virginia eviction laws and does not constitute legal advice. Eviction procedures can vary by county and may change over time. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements or tenant protections. For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified Virginia attorney or local legal aid organization.

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🔍 Reduce Your Risk Before Signing a Lease: Virginia landlords who screen tenants carefully before signing a lease significantly reduce their risk of ending up in eviction court. Understanding tenant screening in Virginia — including background checks, credit history, income verification, and rental references — is one of the most cost-effective steps you can take to protect your rental property. Before you ever need Virginia's eviction process, proper tenant screening can help you identify red flags early and avoid problem tenancies altogether.

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Alexandria City Virginia Landlord-Tenant Law: Old Town, National Landing & Northern Virginia Independent City Guide

Alexandria stands apart from Virginia’s counties in every practical sense: it is a fully independent city with its own police, schools, courts, and tax structure, sharing no governmental functions with any surrounding county. The city’s rental market is one of the most competitive in Virginia, driven by its position as a premier DC commuter destination, its Metro connectivity, and the ongoing build-out of the National Landing / Amazon HQ2 campus at Potomac Yard. Old Town Alexandria — with its 18th-century streetscapes, waterfront dining, and proximity to King Street Metro — commands some of the highest rents in the state. The Del Ray and West End neighborhoods serve slightly more affordable submarkets while remaining well-connected by transit.

Electronics Badge Policy — Critical for Landlords

Effective April 1, 2025, the Alexandria Courthouse requires all persons — including attorneys — to obtain a color-coded badge on a lanyard issued by the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office to bring any electronic device (cell phones, laptops, smart watches) into the building. Attorneys must obtain a red badge on a red lanyard; attorney bar cards no longer grant electronics access. Landlords and pro se litigants must plan accordingly and apply for credentials in advance. Failure to obtain a badge means no phone, no laptop — plan your courtroom preparation accordingly. The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (703) 746-4120.

Alexandria General District Court, 18th Judicial District, at 520 King Street, Second Floor. Clerk Marion W. Jackson. Civil: (703) 746-4021. UD returns: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday & Wednesday at half-hour intervals. Mass filers must verify dates with Civil first. Civil Trials: 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Small Claims: 11:00 a.m. Thursday. Continuances for civil and criminal cases by Judge; infractions first continuance by Clerk. All 2024 VRLTA updates apply. Legal Services of Northern Virginia: (703) 778-6800.