Eviction in Richmond, Virginia
Where eviction cases are filed in Richmond, what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.
Quick facts: eviction in Richmond
- Eviction court
- Richmond City General District Court - Civil (John Marshall Courts Building) — 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)
- $1,655/month HUD
- Renter households
- 58,914 (56% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23
Where eviction cases are filed in Richmond
Eviction cases in Richmond are heard by the Richmond City General District Court - Civil (John Marshall Courts Building) (General District Court (Virginia)).
- Richmond City General District Court - Civil — John Marshall Courts Building, 400 N. 9th Street, Room 203, Richmond, VA 23219 (civil 804-646-6461) · 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 at the John Marshall Courts Building: general docket Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m., trials Mon-Fri 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Marsh Manchester Courts Building (920 Hull St.) handles criminal and traffic matters. Check your summons for your return date and courtroom.
How much it costs to file an eviction in Richmond
$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.
How eviction cases work locally
| Court eviction diversion program | The court links to the statewide General District Court Eviction Diversion Program forms: Request for Referral (DC-4101), Landlord's Notice of Nonpayment (DC-4103) and Affidavit of Tenant in Response to Landlord's Notice of Nonpayment (DC-4104). Source: Official source |
|---|---|
| City Eviction Diversion Program (rent payment help) | The City of Richmond's Eviction Diversion Program, administered by Southside Community Development & Housing Corp., helps pay past-due rent to the landlord for tenants renting in the City of Richmond, aiming to bring the balance to zero within three months or less. Landlord participation is required. Source: Official source |
The Virginia eviction process
Virginia state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Richmond:
- 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 Richmond
HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Richmond, VA HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):
| Studio | $1,442 |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,507 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,655 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,072 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,553 |
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation
Median gross rent in Richmond: $1,372/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).
County tenant ordinance
Independent city (county-equivalent); no local eviction ordinance identified.
Eviction help in Richmond
Free legal help
- Central Virginia Legal Aid Society (CVLAS) — Free civil legal help for qualifying low-income residents; the Richmond office serves the City of Richmond and Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent and Powhatan counties. Housing cases accepted include eviction, lockouts, utilities and repairs. Richmond office 804-648-1012 (toll-free 800-868-1012).
Rental assistance
- City of Richmond Eviction Diversion Program (Southside Community Development & Housing Corp.) — Payment of past-due rent to the landlord for eligible City of Richmond tenants; landlord must participate. Check eligibility and apply at scdhc.com/eviction-diversion-program.
- Richmond Housing Resource Line (Partnership for Housing Affordability) — Central referral line connecting residents to housing programs and services (does not provide direct assistance): 804-422-5061, Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Homeless Connection Line for people within 3 days of losing housing: 804-972-0813.
Other Virginia counties
- Eviction in Fairfax County
- Eviction in Arlington County
- Eviction in Virginia Beach
- 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
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 Richmond?
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Richmond?
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What is the fair market rent in Richmond?
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.