Residential Units

Notice from the Arlington County Circuit Court

In an effort to reduce errors in deeds that are recorded in the Arlington County Circuit Court, beginning May 1, 2013, the Clerk of the Circuit Court will require that all deeds conveying not more than four residential units state on the first page of the document that it was prepared either by the owner of the real property or by an attorney licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia, consistent with Section 17.1-223 of the Code of Virginia. The attorney statement must include both the attorney’s name and Virginia State Bar number.

The Clerk’s Office will presume that a deed does not convey more than four residential units unless the first page of the document so states, or other evidence is presented to the Clerk’s Office that demonstrates otherwise.

Note: Deeds of Trust do not fall within the type of “deed” referenced in §17.1-223 and, therefore, are not subject to the requirement described above.

Please contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, at 703-228-4369, with any questions.