Henrico County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything Virginia landlords need to file a Unlawful Detainer in Henrico County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Henrico County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Henrico General District Court
- Address: 4301 E. Parham Rd., Richmond, VA 23228
- Phone: (804) 501-4748
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Case type: Unlawful Detainer
⚠️ Henrico County — What Landlords Should Know
Henrico County follows standard Virginia eviction procedures.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Henrico County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Henrico County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Henrico County
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 5-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 30-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Virginia law.
File Your Unlawful Detainer at Henrico General District Court
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Henrico General District Court (4301 E. Parham Rd., Richmond, VA 23228). The filing fee is $26. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Henrico County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $12. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Henrico County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Virginia Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Virginia.
Henrico County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $26 | Paid to Henrico County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $12 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$10–$12 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $400–$1500 | Recommended for contested cases |
Frequently Asked Questions — Henrico County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Henrico County?
The typical Henrico County eviction takes 3–5 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Henrico County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Henrico County?
The court filing fee in Henrico County is $26. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($12), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$10–$12), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $48–$50.
What court handles evictions in Henrico County?
Evictions in Henrico County are filed at the Henrico General District Court, located at 4301 E. Parham Rd., Richmond, VA 23228. The case type is filed as a Unlawful Detainer.
Can I file an eviction online in Henrico County?
Henrico County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Henrico General District Court.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Henrico County?
Virginia law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Henrico County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Henrico County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Virginia.
See full Virginia eviction laws and notice requirements.
Virginia Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Virginia.
Virginia Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Henrico County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Henrico County →Relevant Virginia Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: Va. Code § 55.1-1245
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current Virginia statutes or a licensed Henrico County attorney.