Alexandria, VA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Alexandria, VA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- Preemption statute
- None exists in Virginia
- Actual constraint
- Dillon's Rule, no enabling authority
- Statewide rent cap
- None
- Renewal increase notice
- 60 days, over four units
- Rising to
- 90 days from July 2027
Summary
Virginia has no statute preempting local rent control; the barrier is Dillon's Rule. Since July 2026, landlords owning more than four units must give 60 days' notice of a renewal rent increase.
55.1-1204 . Terms and conditions of rental agreement; payment of rent; copy of rental agreement for tenant. A. A landlord and tenant may include in a rental agreement terms and conditions not prohibited by this chapter or other rule of law, including rent, charges for late payment of rent, the term of the agreement, automatic renewal of the rental agreement, requirements for notice of intent to vacate or terminate the rental agreement, and other provisions governing the rights and obligations of the parties. B. A landlord shall offer a prospective tenant a written rental agreement containing the terms governing the rental of the dwelling unit and setting forth the terms and conditions of the landlord-tenant relationship and shall provide with it the statement of tenant rights and responsib
Full Breakdown
Virginia has no Code section prohibiting local rent control. The constraint is Dillon's Rule: localities hold only the powers the General Assembly grants them, and it has never granted authority over rents. Bills in the 2026 session would have enabled a local three percent cap; both failed and were referred to the Virginia Housing Commission for study, which confirms that missing enabling authority, not preemption, is the barrier. There is no statewide cap. Notice rules changed recently: section 55.1-1204(K), effective July 2026, requires landlords owning more than four units to give 60 days' notice of a renewal increase.
Violations & Fines
There is no rent cap to violate. A renewal rent increase without the notice required by section 55.1-1204(K) is ineffective for landlords owning more than four rental units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia law ban local rent control?
How much notice before my rent goes up at renewal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alexandria
Compare Alexandria to another location·View the Virginia rental property rules overview
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