Eviction in Norfolk, Virginia

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

Quick facts: eviction in Norfolk

Eviction court: Norfolk General District Court — General District Court (Virginia) Court page
Filing fee: $52 filing cost + $12 for each person served; writ of possession: $25 for the first defendant + $12 for each additional defendant Virginia General District Court Manual, ch. 9 fee schedule (Va. Code §§ 16.1-69.48:2, 17.1-272, 17.1-278)
Notice before filing (state law): 14-day written pay-or-quit notice. Virginia rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026): $1,713/month HUD
Renter households: 50,965 (54% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23

Where eviction cases are filed in Norfolk

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

Norfolk General District Court — 150 Saint Paul's Blvd, Room 3202, Norfolk, VA 23510-2747 (civil 757-664-4913) · website

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

Clerk's office hours 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Civil cases are heard Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. in Court 2A (A-M) and Court 2D (N-Z). Civil continuances may be granted by the clerk's office when all parties consent for good cause, up to the second request; requests must be in writing.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Norfolk

$52 filing cost + $12 for each person served; writ of possession: $25 for the first defendant + $12 for each additional defendant

Statewide components: $36 civil processing fee (Va. Code § 16.1-69.48:2), $10 Legal Aid Services Fund (§ 17.1-278), and law library and courthouse maintenance fees set by each locality (combined maximum $4), so the exact filing total can differ slightly by court; confirm with the clerk. Sheriff fees are $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: Virginia General District Court Manual, ch. 9 fee schedule (Va. Code §§ 16.1-69.48:2, 17.1-272, 17.1-278)

The Virginia eviction process

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

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 Norfolk

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio	$1,492
1 bedroom	$1,512
2 bedrooms	$1,713
3 bedrooms	$2,376
4 bedrooms	$2,797

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Norfolk: $1,321/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.

County tenant ordinance

Independent city (county-equivalent); no local eviction ordinance identified.

Eviction help in Norfolk

Free legal help

Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia (LASEVA) — Free civil legal help for qualifying low-income Hampton Roads residents, including tenant/eviction matters; intake 757-827-5078 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9 a.m.-1 p.m.).

Rental assistance

Norfolk Eviction Prevention Center (Department of Neighborhood Services) — One-time financial help for Norfolk renters facing eviction due to unforeseen hardship: past-due balance of $100-$1,500, landlord must participate, household income at or below 80% of area median income, once per 12 months (counted from payment to the landlord). Not long-term rental assistance.

Other Virginia counties

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Norfolk?

Eviction cases in Norfolk are filed with the Norfolk General District Court.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Norfolk?

$52 filing cost + $12 for each person served; writ of possession: $25 for the first defendant + $12 for each additional defendant.

Where can I get help with an eviction in Norfolk?

Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia (LASEVA); Norfolk Eviction Prevention Center (Department of Neighborhood Services).

What is the fair market rent in Norfolk?

HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,713 per month (1-bedroom: $1,512).

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.