Eviction in Albemarle County, Virginia
Where eviction cases are filed in Albemarle County, what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.
Quick facts: eviction in Albemarle County
- Eviction court
- Albemarle General District Court (16th Judicial District) — General District Court (Virginia) Court page
- Filing fee
- Unlawful detainer summons (DC-421): $26 processing fee + $10 Courts Technology Fund + $9 and $1 Legal Aid fees + locally set courthouse maintenance and law library fees (combined CHMF and law library not more than $6) + $12 per service by the sheriff. Request for writ of eviction (DC-469): $25 for the first defendant plus $12 for each additional defendant (sheriff's fee, paid to the clerk when the writ is requested). Virginia General District Court Manual, Appendix A - Civil Forms and Fees (Rev. 09/26), DC-421 and DC-469; Va. Code §§ 16.1-69.48:2, 17.1-272, 17.1-278, 17.1-281, 42.1-70
- Notice before filing (state law)
- 14-day written pay-or-quit notice. Virginia rules
- HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
- $1,824/month HUD
- Renter households
- 15,643 (34% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28
Where eviction cases are filed in Albemarle County
Eviction cases in Albemarle County are heard by the Albemarle General District Court (16th Judicial District) (General District Court (Virginia)).
- Albemarle General District Court — 350 Park Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902-5113; (434) 972-4004, civil (434) 972-4007 · website
Clerk's office hours 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Unlawful detainers (all landlord disputes) are heard Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.; contested civil matters are set at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.
How much it costs to file an eviction in Albemarle County
Unlawful detainer summons (DC-421): $26 processing fee + $10 Courts Technology Fund + $9 and $1 Legal Aid fees + locally set courthouse maintenance and law library fees (combined CHMF and law library not more than $6) + $12 per service by the sheriff. Request for writ of eviction (DC-469): $25 for the first defendant plus $12 for each additional defendant (sheriff's fee, paid to the clerk when the writ is requested).
Statewide fee components listed by the Office of the Executive Secretary; the local courthouse and law library amounts vary by locality, so confirm the total with the clerk.
The Virginia eviction process
Virginia state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Albemarle County:
- Written termination notice (14-day pay-or-quit for nonpayment; 21/30-day or 30-day notice for breach)
- File unlawful detainer (sworn statement) with the general district court; summons served at least 10 days before the return date
- Initial hearing (return date) as soon as practicable, no more than 21 days after filing (no later than 30 days); tenant may redeem by paying the full balance by the return date
- Judgment for possession
- Writ of eviction requested within 180 days of judgment; writ vacated if not executed within 30 days of issuance
- Sheriff serves notice at least 72 hours before executing the writ; tenant may cancel the eviction by paying the full balance at least 48 hours before the scheduled eviction
Full Virginia eviction rules with sources →
Rent in Albemarle County
HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Charlottesville, VA MSA (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):
| Studio | $1,421 |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,602 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,824 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,218 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,731 |
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation
Median gross rent in Albemarle County: $1,692/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).
County tenant ordinance
No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; eviction procedure follows state law. City rules, if any, are on city pages.
Eviction help in Albemarle County
Free legal help
- Legal Aid Justice Center - Charlottesville office — Covers Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson; handles landlord/tenant disputes for tenants (no advice or representation to landlords). 1000 Preston Ave., Suite A, Charlottesville, VA 22903; (434) 977-0553.
Tenant and eviction lawyers in Albemarle County
Other Virginia counties
- Eviction in Fairfax County
- Eviction in Arlington County
- Eviction in Virginia Beach
- Eviction in Richmond
- Eviction in Norfolk
- Eviction in Henrico County
- Eviction in Alexandria
- Eviction in Prince William County
- Eviction in Newport News
- Eviction in Chesterfield County
- Eviction in Loudoun County
- Eviction in Hampton
- Eviction in Chesapeake city
- Eviction in Roanoke (independent city)
- Eviction in Portsmouth
- Eviction in Montgomery County
- Eviction in Lynchburg city
Related
- Virginia landlord-tenant law
- How long an eviction takes in Virginia
- Virginia eviction notice periods
- Notice deadline calculator
- How to evict a tenant in Virginia (landlords)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file an eviction in Albemarle County?
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Albemarle County?
Where can I get help with an eviction in Albemarle County?
What is the fair market rent in Albemarle County?
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.