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Richmond (City) Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Virginia landlords need to file a Unlawful Detainer in Richmond (City) — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$26
Filing fee
2–3 weeks
Hearing wait
3–5 weeks
Total process
In Person
Filing method

🏛️ Richmond (City) Courthouse Information

⚠️ Richmond (City) — What Landlords Should Know

Richmond (City) follows standard Virginia eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Richmond (City)?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Richmond (City) eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Richmond (City)

1

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.

2

File Your Unlawful Detainer at Richmond General District Court

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Richmond General District Court (1600 Oliver Hill Way, Richmond, VA 23219). The filing fee is $26. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Richmond (City), 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.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Richmond (City) 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.

5

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.

Richmond (City) Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $26 Paid to Richmond (City) 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 — Richmond (City) Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Richmond (City)?

The typical Richmond (City) 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. Richmond (City) is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Richmond (City)?

The court filing fee in Richmond (City) 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 Richmond (City)?

Evictions in Richmond (City) are filed at the Richmond General District Court, located at 1600 Oliver Hill Way, Richmond, VA 23219. The case type is filed as a Unlawful Detainer.

Can I file an eviction online in Richmond (City)?

Richmond (City) does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Richmond General District Court.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Richmond (City)?

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 Richmond (City)?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Richmond (City) 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 Richmond (City)? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Richmond (City) →

Relevant Virginia Statutes