Short-term rental permit rules in Alexandria, VA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
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.
Effective September 1, 2025, Alexandria short-term rentals must comply with Ordinance No. 5575, which establishes a formal permitting process, occupancy limits, and operational requirements. Properties rented more than 10 days per calendar year must obtain a Short-Term Residential Rental Permit. Hosts must provide guests with a 'Good Neighbor Guide' covering parking rules, occupancy limits, the city's 11 PM-7 AM quiet hours, trash and pet-waste disposal, and local transit information. A one-hour response time is required for quality-of-life violations including occupancy, parties, events, or noise complaints. STR units must have working smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguishers and must comply with all applicable building, fire, and property maintenance codes.
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.
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See how Alexandria's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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