Evicting a bad tenant in Virginia costs ~$6,762.
How Virginia handles evictions
Unlawful detainer process.
Most of that loss is preventable.
Bad tenants almost always leave a paper trail, the problem is that most landlords don't check carefully. Here's what a proper screening catches before you sign the lease.
Virginia eviction cost FAQ
How much does it cost to evict someone in Virginia?
TenantFort estimates a contested eviction in Virginia at around $6,762 all-in: a $62 filing fee, roughly 1 months of lost rent ($1,700 at a typical $1,700/mo), plus legal fees, property damage beyond the deposit, and turnover costs, using national planning figures for those three. Uncontested cases cost less.
How long does an eviction take in Virginia?
Roughly 30 days (~4 weeks) from notice to lockout, as an estimate; contested cases take longer. Unlawful detainer process.
How much is the eviction filing fee in Virginia?
$62, filed with the General District Court. Service, writ, and execution fees are typically extra and vary by county/court.
What court handles evictions in Virginia?
Evictions in Virginia are handled by the General District Court.
Sources & methodology
The filing fee is the General District Court's published fee; it has not yet been checked against the official fee schedule for this page, so confirm it with the court before you file. The timeline and typical rent are estimates. Property damage ($2,500), legal fees ($1,000) and turnover ($1,500) are round planning figures, the same for every state, not costs measured in Virginia. Real costs vary by county, whether the tenant contests, and the market.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.