Tenant Rights in Alexandria, Virginia

Last updated: April 2026

Alexandria renters are protected by Virginia's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. While some Northern Virginia localities previously explored rent control, Virginia law now prohibits it statewide — but strong deposit, habitability, and anti-retaliation rules remain in effect.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: None — Virginia law (Va. Code § 55.1-1237.1) prohibits all localities from enacting rent control as of 2023.
  • Security Deposit: Capped at 2 months' rent. Must be returned within 45 days with itemized deductions (Va. Code § 55.1-1226).
  • Notice to Vacate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before lease termination (Va. Code § 55.1-1253).
  • Just Cause Eviction: No just-cause requirement in Virginia. Court process required for all evictions.
  • Local Resources: Legal Services of Northern Virginia (lsnv.org), Virginia Legal Aid Society (vlas.us), and Alexandria Office of Housing serve local renters.

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Alexandria

Alexandria is an independent city in Northern Virginia directly across the Potomac from Washington, D.C. While Alexandria and other Northern Virginia localities had previously been granted limited authority to explore rent control by the 2020 General Assembly, the 2023 General Assembly reversed that with Va. Code § 55.1-1237.1, which now prohibits any Virginia locality from imposing rent controls. Tenant rights in Alexandria are governed by the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), which provides solid protections on security deposits, habitability, retaliation, and eviction.

2. Does Alexandria Have Rent Control?

Alexandria has no rent control. Although Northern Virginia localities were briefly authorized to enact rent stabilization measures starting in 2020, Virginia's 2023 General Assembly passed Va. Code § 55.1-1237.1, which preempts all local rent control statewide. Landlords in Alexandria may raise rent by any amount. For month-to-month tenants, at least 30 days' written notice is required before a rent increase or termination (Va. Code § 55.1-1253).

3. Virginia State Tenant Protections That Apply in Alexandria

Virginia's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides the following key protections for Alexandria tenants:

  • Security Deposit: Capped at 2 months' rent. Must be returned within 45 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles the tenant to the deposit amount plus damages (Va. Code § 55.1-1226).
  • Repairs & Habitability: Landlords must maintain habitable conditions. After written notice, landlords have 30 days (14 days for emergencies) to complete repairs. Remedies include rent escrow and lease termination (Va. Code § 55.1-1234).
  • Retaliation Protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights by raising rent or filing eviction (Va. Code § 55.1-1258).
  • Lockout Prohibition: Self-help eviction is illegal. Tenants illegally locked out may recover actual damages plus attorney fees (Va. Code § 55.1-1243.1).

4. Security Deposit Rules in Alexandria

Under Va. Code § 55.1-1226, an Alexandria landlord may not charge a security deposit exceeding 2 months' rent. The deposit must be returned within 45 days of move-out and receipt of a forwarding address, together with a written itemized statement of any deductions. If the landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you may recover the deposit amount plus additional damages. Thorough move-in and move-out documentation is strongly recommended.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Alexandria

To evict a tenant in Alexandria, a landlord must serve proper written notice — 5 days for nonpayment of rent — and then file an unlawful detainer action in Alexandria General District Court. The tenant may appear and contest the eviction. Only after a court judgment and a writ of possession may the sheriff remove the tenant. Self-help eviction is prohibited under Va. Code § 55.1-1243.1; violations may result in actual damages plus attorney fees for the tenant.

6. Resources for Alexandria Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alexandria have rent control?

No. Although Northern Virginia localities had brief authority to consider rent control starting in 2020, the 2023 Virginia General Assembly enacted Va. Code § 55.1-1237.1 prohibiting all localities from imposing rent controls. Alexandria has no rent control.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Alexandria?

There is no cap on rent increases in Alexandria. For month-to-month tenancies, the landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase or termination takes effect (Va. Code § 55.1-1253). Check your lease for any specific notice requirements.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Alexandria?

Your landlord must return your deposit within 45 days after you vacate and provide a forwarding address, with a written itemized statement of any deductions (Va. Code § 55.1-1226). The deposit cannot exceed 2 months' rent. Wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit plus damages.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Alexandria?

For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must give 5 days' written notice before filing in court. For month-to-month tenancies, at least 30 days' written notice is required to terminate (Va. Code § 55.1-1253). A court judgment and writ of possession are required before you can be removed.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Alexandria?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal under Va. Code § 55.1-1243.1. If your landlord locks you out or cuts off utilities without a court order, you may recover actual damages plus attorney fees. Contact Legal Services of Northern Virginia for help.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Alexandria?

Send a written repair request. If the landlord does not act within 30 days (14 days for emergencies) under Va. Code § 55.1-1234, remedies include rent escrow, lease termination, or a court action. You may also contact Alexandria's code enforcement or the Alexandria Office of Housing.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Alexandria and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.

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