Eviction in Fairfax County, Virginia

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

Quick facts: eviction in Fairfax County

Eviction court: Fairfax 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 eviction: no filing fee, $25 sheriff execution fee for the first party + $12 each additional party Fairfax County General District Court - Filing Civil Cases: Guide to Forms, Fees, and Copies Needed (CTS-GDC-111, rev. 7/2026)
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: 129,906 (31% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-22

Where eviction cases are filed in Fairfax County

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

Fairfax County General District Court (Clerk's Office) — 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030 · website

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

Civil Division: (703) 246-3012. Unlawful detainer first returns are Fridays 9:30 AM (pro se-only first returns Fridays 1:00 PM); UD trials Fridays 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM and Wednesdays 9:30 AM. Unlawful detainers are filed as civil actions (not small claims); court dates must be reserved in advance and filings after 3:30 PM are receipted the next business day.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Fairfax County

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

From the court's official fee schedule PDF (rev. 7/2026); unlawful detainers are filed as civil actions and fees are due at filing. 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.

Source: Fairfax County General District Court - Filing Civil Cases: Guide to Forms, Fees, and Copies Needed (CTS-GDC-111, rev. 7/2026)

How eviction cases work locally

Writ execution by Sheriff	The Sheriff has 30 days from the court's signing to execute a Writ of Eviction; the tenant gets at least 72 hours' notice. Most evictions are '24-hour lock change' evictions (tenant may retrieve property for 24 hours); full evictions move belongings to the nearest public right of way. Civil Enforcement: 703-246-3227 (press 3). Source: Official source
Hearing scheduling	Fridays are reserved for unlawful detainer, landlord/tenant and small claims cases; service must be made at least 10 days before the return date. Source: Official source

The Virginia eviction process

Virginia state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax County: $2,276/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 Fairfax County

Free legal help

Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV) — Free civil legal services for low-income, elderly and disabled Northern Virginia residents; eviction prevention help; 703-778-6800.

Other Virginia counties

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Fairfax County?

Eviction cases in Fairfax County are filed with the Fairfax County General District Court.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Fairfax County?

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

Where can I get help with an eviction in Fairfax County?

Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV).

What is the fair market rent in Fairfax 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.