Short-Term Rentals in Alexandria, VA (2026)
8 verified short-term rentals rules for Alexandria, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Alexandria STR Permit (Ord. 5575, eff. Sept 1, 2025)
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 15.2-983 (Creation of Registry for Short-Term Rental of Property)
15.2-983 . Creation of registry for short-term rental of property. A. As used in this section: "Operator" means the proprietor of any dwelling, lodging, or sleeping accommodations offered as a short-term rental, whether in the capacity of owner, lessee, sublessee, mortgagee in possession, licensee, or any other possessory capacity. "Short-term rental" means the provision of a room or space that...
Noise Rules
Alexandria STRs must comply with the general noise ordinance. Virginia localities commonly impose additional noise conditions on STR permits.
Alexandria STR Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsTaxes & 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.
Alexandria STR Lodging Tax (City 6.5% + $1.25/night + State 3.0%)
Some RestrictionsParking Rules
Alexandria may require off-street parking for STR guests. Parking rules protect neighborhood character and are locally enforced.
Alexandria STR Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsOccupancy 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.
Alexandria Short-Term Rental Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsInsurance Requirements
Alexandria may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.
Alexandria Short-Term Rental Insurance Rules
Some RestrictionsNight 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.
Short-Term Rental Night Caps in Alexandria
Few RestrictionsRegistration 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.
Short-Term Rental Registration in Alexandria
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Alexandria City county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Alexandria city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Alexandria City →