City Watch
Short-term rental rules in Alexandria, VA
How Alexandria regulates short-term rentals: the rules that apply, their sources, and pending changes.
Short-term rentals here operate under a registration or permit system with ongoing operating rules.
- Mandatory STR permit for renting more than 10 days per year
- Differentiated fee: $350 owner-unoccupied vs $100 owner-occupied
- Registered local agent required when owner lives more than 30 miles away
- Safety, parking, noise, and occupancy (2 per bedroom + 2) requirements
- No permit cap, no primary-residence-only rule, no host-present rule
Based on: City Code Title 3, Ch. 2, Art. R (§3-2-151 et seq., incl. §3-2-152 registry) + zoning STR use; Ordinance No. 5575
Summary of the rule
Properties used as short-term residential rentals for more than 10 days per calendar year must obtain a Short-Term Residential Rental Permit; the operator must complete the online registry (City Code §3-2-152).
View the ordinance source ↗✓ Verified
Last reviewed Sep 14, 2026 · Sources · Report an error
Pending legislation
Monitoring Alexandria · system last checked Oct 25, 2026
Owners in Alexandria
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City Watch tracks changes from public sources — council agendas, state bills, local news — not a complete legal compendium.
A city permit is not the whole picture — HOA, condominium, deed, or lease rules may be stricter.
City Watch provides good-faith summaries of publicly available information as of the review date shown. Rules, enforcement, and permit availability can change, and summaries may contain errors or omissions. Ratings describe the general regulatory environment; they do not establish whether a particular property or stay is permitted. This is general information, not legal advice. Before buying, listing, or hosting, verify applicable requirements with the responsible authorities and review any HOA, condominium, deed, or lease restrictions.