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Eviction in Arlington County, Virginia

Where eviction cases are filed in Arlington County, what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Arlington County

Eviction court
Arlington County General District Court — General District Court (Virginia) Court page
Filing fee
$52 filing fee + $12 service fee per party to be served; writ of possession: no filing fee, $25 execution fee for the first party + $12 each additional party Arlington General District Court civil filing guide (forms and fees)
Notice before filing (state law)
14-day written pay-or-quit notice. Virginia rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
$2,246/month HUD
Renter households
65,806 (59% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-22

Where eviction cases are filed in Arlington County

Eviction cases in Arlington County are heard by the Arlington County General District Court (General District Court (Virginia)).

Court eviction page · E-filing · Search court records · Self-help center

Clerk's office (703) 228-7900, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. Civil returns and pre-trial conferences are held at 2:00 PM (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) in Courtroom 3D; the court page does not list a separate unlawful detainer docket.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Arlington County

$52 filing fee + $12 service fee per party to be served; writ of possession: no filing fee, $25 execution fee for the first party + $12 each additional party

From the court's official fee schedule PDF (rev. date not printed; file dated Feb. 4, 2022); amounts are consistent with the 2026 statewide schedule. Statewide components per the Virginia General District Court Manual ch. 9 (official fee schedule PDF, rev. 09/26, https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/gd/resources/manuals/gdman/gd_manual.pdf): $36 civil processing fee (Va. Code § 16.1-69.48:2), $10 Legal Aid Services Fund (§ 17.1-278), locally set law library and courthouse maintenance fees (combined max $4), and sheriff fees of $12 per person served and $25 to serve a writ of possession plus $12 per additional defendant (§ 17.1-272). An indigent Virginia resident may ask to proceed without paying fees. Clerk: (703) 228-7900.

Source: Arlington General District Court civil filing guide (forms and fees)

The Virginia eviction process

Virginia state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Arlington County:

  1. Written termination notice (14-day pay-or-quit for nonpayment; 21/30-day or 30-day notice for breach)
  2. File unlawful detainer (sworn statement) with the general district court; summons served at least 10 days before the return date
  3. 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
  4. Judgment for possession
  5. Writ of eviction requested within 180 days of judgment; writ vacated if not executed within 30 days of issuance
  6. 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 Arlington County

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio$1,953
1 bedroom$2,015
2 bedrooms$2,246
3 bedrooms$2,835
4 bedrooms$3,332

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Arlington County: $2,322/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

Metro-wide FMRs shown. HUD designates this area for Small Area FMRs (ZIP-code-level) for Housing Choice Voucher programs; ZIP-level values are on the county summary page.

Eviction help in Arlington County

Free legal help

Other Virginia counties

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Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Arlington County?
Eviction cases in Arlington County are filed with the Arlington County General District Court.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Arlington County?
$52 filing fee + $12 service fee per party to be served; writ of possession: no filing fee, $25 execution fee for the first party + $12 each additional party.
Where can I get help with an eviction in Arlington County?
Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV).
What is the fair market rent in Arlington County?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $2,246 per month (1-bedroom: $2,015).

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.