Are there rental limits in Alexandria?

Strict occupancy limit of 2 per bedroom + 2 (max 10 people total).

What are the key requirements for Alexandria hosts?

Neighbor notification must be done by certified or registered mail to all abutting properties.

What should Alexandria hosts know about one-hour response time required for?

One-hour response time required for 24/7 contact point to address noise or party complaints.

What should Alexandria hosts know about a primary home and adu?

A primary home and ADU cannot be rented as separate short-term rentals simultaneously.

Alexandria, VA Short-Term Rental Permit and Tax Requirements

Summary

Alexandria requires a Short-Term Residential Rental Permit for all stays under 30 days, with distinct fees for owner-occupied and unoccupied properties.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

If you rent your home for less than 30 days at a time and do so for more than 10 days a year, you must get a permit from the Department of Planning & Zoning. You'll need to install specific safety equipment, notify your neighbors by certified mail, and follow strict guest limits (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra, capped at 10 total).

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.2%

Permit Fee

$100

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Alexandria: A primary home and ADU cannot be rented as separate short-term rentals simultaneously.
•Alexandria allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires legal interest/permission to rent.
•Alexandria: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Alexandria does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(11)

•Alexandria requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $500,000. Proof of liability insurance is required as part of the registry/permit process.
•Alexandria: One-hour response time required for 24/7 contact point to address noise or party complaints.
•Alexandria STR warning: One-hour response time required for 24/7 contact point to address noise or party complaints.

Application Process(10)

•Alexandria STR permit - Step 2: Install Safety Equipment and Post Guide. Install smoke detectors on every level, CO detectors near bedrooms, and fire extinguishers on every floor. Post the Alexandria Good Neighbor Guide in a prominent location. Take clear photos of all installations. Required documents: Photos of safety equipment, Photos of Good Neighbor Guide. Time: 1 week. Cost: 100.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Alexandria charges a registration fee of $100 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $350 (The fee is $350 for owner-unoccupied rentals and $100 for owner-occupied rentals.).

Taxes(2)

•Alexandria charges a Transient Lodging Tax of 0.095%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Combined 6.5% City tax + 3.0% State/Regional tax plus $1.25 per night per room.
•Virginia has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Alexandria limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total (excluding children 3 and under)
•Alexandria enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 9:00 AM Sun-Thu; 11:00 PM - 9:00 AM Fri-Sat.
•Alexandria: Strict occupancy limit of 2 per bedroom + 2 (max 10 people total).
•Alexandria limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Alexandria requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, One smoke detector on each habitable level, CO detector within 10ft of bedrooms, One fire extinguisher per floor within 10ft of kitchen, Good Neighbor Guide posted prominently.

Penalties(2)

•Alexandria: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Alexandria enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $200 for operating without a permit. Second offense: $500 every 10 days until permit applied for. Third offense: 1-year ban on permit eligibility. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Alexandria exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Rentals for 10 days or fewer per calendar year.
•Alexandria: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Alexandria

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(10)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Alexandria

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Alexandria?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Alexandria?

3What are the occupancy limits for rentals in Alexandria?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Alexandria?

Related Content

Other Virginia Markets

Arlington

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

Richmond