Alexandria's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Alexandria, Virginia, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Rental Registration

Alexandria's rental inspection program (City Code Article G-1, Sec. 8-1-118) requires a $75 inspection per dwelling unit, sampling 10% of units in buildings over 10 dwellings. A passing inspection issues a 4-year Certificate of Compliance.

Key details: Authority: Article G-1, Sec. 8-1-118. Fee per Unit: $75. Sample (>10 units): 10% inspected. Cert Validity: 4 years.

Failure to obtain or maintain a Certificate of Compliance can result in code violations referred to the Department of Code Administration (703.746.4200) with corrective orders and escalating penalties.

Rent Control

Alexandria does not have rent control. State law preempts local rent control ordinances, meaning municipalities cannot cap rent increases. Market rates apply to all rental properties.

Key details: Rent Control: Banned by state law. Increases: Market rate, any amount. Notice: 30 to 60 days required. Topic: Rent Control.

Rent increases without proper notice: tenant may challenge. Retaliatory rent increases after complaint: prohibited under state law. Violation of lease terms: standard landlord-tenant remedies.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Alexandria gives residents more flexibility on rent control.

Just Cause Eviction

Alexandria follows state landlord-tenant law for evictions. Landlords must follow proper notice procedures but may not need to state cause for non-renewal of month-to-month tenancies in most cases.

Key details: No-Cause Notice: 30 to 60 days. For Cause: Shorter notice periods. Self-Help: Illegal in all cases. Topic: Just Cause Eviction.

Illegal self-help eviction: tenant damages and penalties. Retaliatory eviction: prohibited, tenant may counterclaim. Improper notice: eviction case dismissed.

The Bottom Line

Alexandria's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Alexandria is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Alexandria's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.