Rising rents, rising tensions: Alexandria’s housing crisis deepens

As rents continue to rise in Alexandria, the financial load on residents grows, pushing more households to the edge of eviction.

Data from Alexandria city showed that Evictions in Alexandria are approaching pre-pandemic levels. 

During the pandemic, eviction rates dropped significantly due to protections like eviction moratoriums and rental assistance programs. However, with those protections lifted, eviction filings have steadily increased in recent years.

Eviction notices in Alexandria issued this year reached 3,564 cases, according to data from Public Tableau.

In a recent webinar hosted by Alexandria’s Office of Housing, officials highlighted the alarming state of rental affordability and eviction rates, signaling a crisis that significantly affects marginalized communities.

For renter Tawfik Haqi, the rising costs are becoming unbearable. “I’ve lived in Alexandria for over more than three years, and the rent increases have been crazy,” Haqi said.“Each year, the rent goes up in an unacceptable way.”

Rent hikes squeeze Alexandria renters

As of November 2024, the rent in Alexandria is 13% above the national average, according to a digital marketplace connecting renters with property managers and landlords across the United States and Canada.

The latest data from the Office of Housing in Alexandria reveals significant increases in rental costs across all unit types.

This year, rent for apartments in Virginia surged by about 9%. According to the data, these increases, combined with monthly utility costs between $100 and $400, place unprecedented tension on renters​.

“My rent went up from $2000 to $2600 in the last 5 years,” said Gazwan Madani, who has been living in the area for the last 8 years.

According to a report published by Alexandria City, nearly 44% of renters in Alexandria are considered housing cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing expenses. 

This burden is particularly acute among low-income households, with more than 12,500 renter households earning below 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) falling into this category.​

Economic Disparities by Race and Ethnicity

The average household income for Black or African American households in Alexandria is $78,942, while it is $79,583 for Hispanic or Latino households.

In contrast, non-Hispanic white households earn an average of $145,083. These disparities exacerbate the financial vulnerability of minority renters, making them more susceptible to housing instability, according to a document published by the Alexandria government.

“Many of my neighbors are facing similar struggles,” Haki added. “We’re all trying to hold on, but it feels like the system isn’t built for people like us.”

These filings contribute significantly to housing instability, particularly in large, multi-unit rental properties.

For Haki, the prospect of eviction is a constant source of anxiety. “It’s terrifying to think about losing your home,” he said. “I’ve seen one family in my neighborhood get evicted, and it could happen to any of us if things don’t change.”

Last month, Alexandria announced 2040’s Education Month to raise awareness as the city began updating its Housing Master Plan.