Alexandria launches court-backed eviction diversion program for tenants behind on rent

Alexandria has launched a court-backed eviction diversion program that gives eligible tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent a structured opportunity to repay arrears while remaining in their homes.

The Alexandria General District Court adopted the program effective July 1, 2026, under amended Virginia law. The City of Alexandria announced the launch Aug. 4. If a tenant successfully completes the court-ordered payment plan, the eviction case is dismissed.

Tenants must appear at the first hearing

The program is not automatic. A tenant in an eligible nonpayment eviction case must appear at the first court hearing and ask the judge for referral to the program. The court must determine that the tenant satisfies the eligibility requirements.

At that first hearing, the tenant must pay at least 10% of the amount owed to the landlord or into the court. The tenant also must provide sworn testimony that they have income or sufficient funds to make the scheduled payments and explain why they were unable to make rent payments under the rental agreement.

Other eligibility conditions include not owing outstanding rent under a payment plan executed within the previous 12 months, not defaulting on such a plan during that period and not participating in an eviction diversion program within the previous 12 months.

How the repayment plan works

After the initial payment, the remaining balance is divided into three equal installments of 30%. Under the Virginia statute, the first 30% installment is due by the fifth day of the month after the initial hearing, the second is due by the fifth day of the following month and the final 30% is due by the fifth day of the third month after the hearing.

Regular monthly rent must continue to be paid during the repayment period, generally within five days of the due date established in the rental agreement. The repayment plan addresses past-due amounts; it does not replace the tenant’s ongoing rent obligation.

If the tenant makes all payments under the court-ordered plan and stays current on regular rent, the judge must dismiss the unlawful-detainer case as satisfied.

If a required payment is missed, the landlord may notify the court clerk. The statute directs the court to enter an order of possession without further hearings unless the tenant files an affidavit within 10 days stating that current rent was paid and the landlord failed to acknowledge it. Participation therefore does not guarantee that an eviction case will be prevented unless the tenant completes the plan and remains current.

Alexandria court handles the process

The Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street handles local landlord-tenant cases covered by the program. The court lists unlawful-detainer return dockets at 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but advises residents to verify the date with the civil clerk because of mass filings.

Questions about court procedures should be directed to the Alexandria General District Court civil clerk’s office at 703-746-4021. The clerk’s office is listed as open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Housing assistance remains available

Alexandria residents facing a housing crisis or homelessness can contact the Department of Community and Human Services at 703-746-5700. The city’s Office of Housing also directs renters to eviction-prevention, rental-assistance and other housing resources.

For a tenant facing a qualifying eviction, the key practical point is timing: the tenant must appear at the first hearing and request referral. Residents should review their summons, appear as required and seek case-specific guidance from the court or Alexandria housing resources promptly. This article is general information, not legal advice.

Sources

• City of Alexandria eviction diversion announcement
• Alexandria General District Court eviction diversion program document
• Code of Virginia § 55.1-1262