Do You Need a Rental License in Virginia? Here's What Landlords Must Know

If you own a rental property in Virginia, you might be wondering: do you need a rental license? The answer isn’t simple - it depends on where you live. Virginia doesn’t have a statewide rental license requirement, but many cities and counties do. Skipping this step could mean fines, eviction delays, or even losing your right to rent the property.

Virginia Has No Statewide Rental License Law

Unlike states like California or New York, Virginia doesn’t require landlords to get a license to rent out property at the state level. That means if you’re renting out a house or apartment in a small town or unincorporated county, you likely don’t need a license. But that’s where the simplicity ends.

The real rules come from local governments. Over 30 cities and counties in Virginia have their own rental registration or licensing programs. These rules can vary wildly - from simple paperwork to background checks, inspections, and annual fees. If you think you’re safe because Virginia doesn’t require it statewide, you could be in for a nasty surprise.

Where Rental Licenses Are Required in Virginia

Here are some of the biggest jurisdictions that require rental licenses:

• Virginia Beach - Requires annual registration, inspection, and fee. All rental units must pass a safety inspection every three years.
• Richmond - Mandates a rental license for all properties with more than one unit. Inspections cover electrical, plumbing, and structural safety.
• Arlington County - Requires registration and a one-time $150 fee. Landlords must provide emergency contact info and proof of insurance.
• Alexandria - All rental units must be registered. Failure to register can lead to fines up to $2,500 per violation.
• Chesapeake - Requires a license for any rental property. Inspections are done every five years.
• Roanoke - Mandates licensing for multi-family units and properties with more than four bedrooms.

These aren’t exceptions - they’re the norm. Even smaller towns like Fairfax City, Norfolk, and Portsmouth have their own systems. If you own a rental in any of these places, you’re not just encouraged to register - you’re legally required to.

What Happens If You Don’t Register?

Ignoring local rental rules isn’t a victimless act. The consequences are real and costly:

• Fines can start at $500 per month and pile up quickly - some cities charge $100 per day for unregistered rentals.
• You can’t legally evict a tenant if your property isn’t registered. Courts in Virginia won’t hear eviction cases for unlicensed rentals.
• Insurance claims may be denied if your policy requires compliance with local laws - and most do.
• Neighborhood complaints can trigger inspections. If your property fails, you’ll have to fix issues or stop renting until you do.

In Alexandria, one landlord was hit with $18,000 in back fees after renting out a property for two years without registering. That’s not a rare case - it’s a pattern.

How to Get a Rental License in Virginia

If you’re in a city or county that requires one, here’s how to get started:

1. Find your local housing or code enforcement office. Search for “[Your City] rental registration” or check the city’s official website.
2. Complete the application. Most require basic info: property address, owner name, contact details, and number of units.
3. Pay the fee. Fees range from $50 to $300 per year. Some cities charge extra for each unit.
4. Pass an inspection. Common items checked: smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, structural safety, plumbing, electrical systems, and habitability standards.
5. Receive your license. Once approved, you’ll get a certificate or sticker to display - some places require it on the door or in a common area.

Many cities now offer online applications. Richmond’s system lets you upload documents, pay fees, and schedule inspections all through their portal. Virginia Beach even sends automated reminders when your renewal is due.

Short-Term Rentals Are Different

If you’re renting out your home on Airbnb, Vrbo, or similar platforms, the rules get even stricter. Many Virginia cities treat short-term rentals as a separate category:

• Virginia Beach - Requires a special short-term rental permit. Only one permit per property, and you can’t rent more than 90 days per year.
• Arlington - Bans short-term rentals entirely in most residential zones.
• Charlottesville - Requires a license and limits rentals to 120 days per year.
• Roanoke - Only allows short-term rentals in designated commercial zones.

Some landlords thought they were safe because they weren’t running a hotel. But local governments are cracking down hard. In 2025, Fairfax County issued over 300 citations to Airbnb hosts who didn’t register.

What You Need to Keep on File

Even after you get your license, you’re not done. Most jurisdictions require landlords to maintain records:

• Proof of liability insurance (minimum $100,000 coverage)
• Copy of lease agreements
• Emergency contact information for tenants
• Inspection reports
• Receipts for repairs and upgrades

Some cities randomly audit landlords. If you can’t produce these documents, you could lose your license - even if you’ve been compliant before.

How to Check Your Local Requirements

Don’t guess. Don’t assume. Here’s how to get accurate info:

1. Go to your city or county’s official website.
2. Search for “rental registration,” “landlord license,” or “housing code.”
3. Look for a dedicated housing or code enforcement department.
4. Call them directly - websites aren’t always up to date.
5. Ask: “Do I need a license for a single-family home?” and “Are there inspection requirements?”

Pro tip: If you own multiple properties, ask if there’s a bulk registration option. Some cities offer discounts for landlords with five or more units.

What If You’re a New Landlord?

If you just bought your first rental property, here’s what to do right away:

• Check if the previous owner had a license - it may transfer.
• Don’t rent the property until you’ve confirmed local rules.
• Set calendar reminders for renewal dates - most licenses expire yearly.
• Keep copies of every document, even if you’re not asked for them yet.

Many landlords get into trouble because they assume the process is simple. It’s not. The difference between a smooth rental operation and a legal nightmare often comes down to one phone call and one form.

Bottom Line: Check Local Rules - Always

Virginia doesn’t require a statewide rental license. But if you think that means you’re off the hook, you’re wrong. The real rule is: every city and county makes its own rules. What’s legal in rural Louisa County might be illegal in downtown Norfolk.

Don’t wait for a fine. Don’t wait for a tenant complaint. Don’t wait until your insurance claim gets denied. Get the facts from your local government before you rent out your property. It takes less than an hour - and it could save you thousands.