Landlord Licensing Requirements in the City of Alexandria, VA
If you're a landlord in Alexandria, Virginia, it's essential to understand the local regulations governing rental properties. Here's what you need to know:
1. Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL)
In Alexandria:
- Single Rental Property: If you own and rent out a single dwelling unit, you are not required to obtain a BPOL license.
- Multiple Rental Units: If you rent out five or more dwelling units within Alexandria in any calendar year, you are required to obtain a BPOL license. This applies regardless of whether the units are rented simultaneously.
The BPOL tax is assessed annually based on your gross receipts from rental income. For residential rental properties, the rate is $0.26 per $100 of gross receipts.
To obtain a BPOL license:
- Register Your Business: New businesses must register with the Alexandria Commissioner of the Revenue within 30 days of commencing operations. Registration can be completed online at alexandriava.gov/efile.
- File Business Taxes Annually: Filing for business license and business personal property must be completed annually. Forms and step-by-step instructions are available on the Starting a Business in Alexandria webpage.
2. Short-Term Residential Rentals
If you plan to rent your property on a short-term basis (e.g., through platforms like Airbnb), you must comply with additional requirements:
- Short-Term Residential Rental Permit: A permit is required for properties rented for more than 10 days per calendar year. The application process is expected to open in late October 2025, with a phased approach to permit approvals based on street address. Source
- Transient Lodging Tax: Operators are required to collect and remit the City's Transient Lodging Tax. Source
- Occupancy Limits: Rentals are limited to two people per bedroom plus two additional people at all times, excluding children aged 3 and under. A maximum of 10 people is permitted in any short-term rental. Source
- Parking Requirements: STRs must provide parking spaces as follows:
- 0.75 parking spaces per bedroom in non-transit areas.
- 0.25 parking spaces per bedroom in transit areas.
- Enhanced transit areas have specific requirements based on the number of bedrooms. Source
- Good Neighbor Guide: A Good Neighbor Guide must be provided to all guests a minimum of 72 hours prior to check-in and posted in a prominent location.
3. Additional Considerations
- Zoning Ordinance Compliance: Ensure your rental property complies with Alexandria's zoning ordinances, which may limit the number of unrelated individuals residing in a single dwelling unit.
- Tenant Rights and Responsibilities: Familiarize yourself with the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords in all jurisdictions throughout Virginia.
- Property Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your rental property to ensure it meets health and safety standards.
Need Assistance?
Navigating the licensing and regulatory requirements can be complex. If you need help understanding Alexandria's business license requirements or have questions about managing your rental property, consider consulting with a local property management professional or legal advisor. Regulations are subject to change; please visit the City of Alexandria Government website for updates.
📞 703-537-3340
📧 hello@mcepm.com
