Short-Term Rentals in Alexandria, VA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Alexandria or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Alexandria has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Parking Rules

Alexandria may require off-street parking for STR guests. Parking rules protect neighborhood character and are locally enforced.

Key details: Off-Street: Often required for STRs. Ratio: Typically 1 space per bedroom. Lawn Parking: Prohibited in most zones. Street Rules: General rules apply.

Parking violations: $50 to $200 per occurrence. STR parking non-compliance: permit conditions review.

Taxes & Fees

Alexandria short-term rentals owe a combined 9.5% transient lodging tax plus $1.25 per room per night (City 6.5% + $1.25/night, State 3.0% effective May 1, 2021). Operators register with the Department of Finance under Sec. 3-2-152 and file monthly.

Key details: City TOT: 6.5% + $1.25/night. State TOT: 3.0% (since 5/1/2021). Combined: 9.5% + $1.25/night. Filing: Monthly.

Failure to register, file, or remit TOT triggers Department of Finance enforcement, including penalties and interest on unpaid amounts.

Insurance Requirements

Alexandria may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.

Key details: Coverage: $500K to $1M typical. Homeowner Policy: May not cover STR. Platform Insurance: May not satisfy local rules. Proof: May be required at renewal.

Operating without required insurance may result in permit denial or revocation. Hosts may face personal liability for uninsured claims.

Noise Rules

Alexandria STRs must comply with the general noise ordinance. Virginia localities commonly impose additional noise conditions on STR permits.

Key details: Quiet Hours: Per locality noise ordinance. Parties: Prohibited at most STRs. Response: Host must respond promptly. Enforcement: Permit revocation possible.

Noise violation: $250 to $1,000. Multiple complaints: permit review or revocation. Host responsible for guest behavior.

Occupancy Limits

Alexandria limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to protect neighborhood quality of life.

Key details: Typical Limit: 2 per bedroom + 2. Listing: Must state max occupancy. Enforcement: Complaint-driven. Penalty: Permit revocation possible.

First offense: warning. Repeated overcrowding: fines of $250 to $1,000. Permit suspension or revocation for chronic violations.

Night Caps

Alexandria does not impose an annual night cap on permitted STRs under Ordinance No. 5575. Renting more than 10 days per year triggers the permit requirement but no annual ceiling. The previous 120-day cap on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) STR use was removed; however, a main dwelling and its ADU may not operate as STRs simultaneously.

Key details: Annual Night Cap: None. Permit Trigger: More than 10 days/year. Stay Length Limit: Under 30 consecutive days. ADU 120-day Cap: Removed by Ord. 5575. Main + ADU Simultaneous: Prohibited.

Because no annual night cap exists, there is no per-night overage penalty. Operating any STR without a permit (i.e., more than 10 days per year unpermitted) draws a $200 initial citation and $500 every 10 days thereafter. Operating both the main dwelling and an ADU as STRs simultaneously violates Ord. 5575 and is grounds for permit revocation.

Alexandria is more permissive than most cities when it comes to night caps. That said, there are still limits.

Registration Rules

Alexandria Ordinance No. 5575 (effective Sept 1, 2025) requires a Short-Term Residential Rental Permit for any property used as an STR more than 10 days per calendar year. Annual non-refundable fees are $100 (owner-occupied) and $350 (owner-unoccupied). Apply through the APEX online portal at the Department of Planning & Zoning.

Key details: Permit Threshold: More than 10 days/year. Fee (Owner-Occupied): $100/year. Fee (Owner-Unoccupied): $350/year. Application Portal: APEX (P&Z online). Neighbor Notice: Certified mail to abutters.

Operating without a permit triggers a $200 initial citation and $500 every 10 days thereafter. Two zoning citations in a 12-month window bar permit renewal for one year. Failure to provide certified-mail neighbor notification, omit safety photos, or submit a deficient parking plan is grounds for permit denial under Ordinance 5575.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Alexandria actively enforces its registration rules requirements.

Permit Requirements

Alexandria Ordinance No. 5575 (effective September 1, 2025) requires a Short-Term Residential Rental Permit for any property rented more than 10 days per calendar year. STR hosts must provide a Good Neighbor Guide and maintain a one-hour response window for violations.

Key details: Effective: September 1, 2025. Authority: Ordinance 5575. Trigger: >10 days/year. Response Time: 1 hour required.

Operating without a permit when over the 10-day threshold violates Ordinance 5575 and is enforced by the City through Code Enforcement, with penalties scaled to severity and frequency.

The Bottom Line

Alexandria's short-term rentals 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.

Keep in mind that Alexandria can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.