National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Virginia?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

A typical uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Virginia takes about 6 to 10 weeks.

From our Virginia guide: “An uncontested nonpayment case commonly takes roughly six to ten weeks from notice to a completed eviction”

If the tenant contests: Additional weeks, set by the court.

The Virginia eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    14 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    14-day pay-or-quit notice

    From our guide: “Nonpayment pay-or-quit notice: 14 days”

  2. 2Court case

    10 to 30 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Return date 10 to 30 days after filing

    From our guide: “Filing to first return dateHearing within 21 days of filing, 30 at most; summons served at least 10 days before (§ 8.01-126)”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    3 to 30 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Sheriff notice ≥72 hours; writ executed within 15–30 days

    From our guide: “The sheriff must serve the tenant with notice of the date and time of the eviction at least 72 hours in advance, and should carry it out within 15 calendar days of receiving the writ, or as soon as practicable, but no later than 30 days after it was issued”

What can slow it down

  • The nonpayment notice period rose from 5 to 14 days effective July 1, 2026 (HB 15); the writ of eviction may be requested up to 180 days after judgment, so a landlord who delays requesting it can push the timeline well past the typical six-to-ten-week estimate.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Virginia eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Virginia scores 7 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (balanced).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Virginia attorney before acting.