Report from the Special Legislative Session

Housing on the Agenda: Rent Relief/Eviction Moratorium SPECIAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION DEALING WITH COVID-RELATED ISSUES

By Mary Beth Coya

THE VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE was called back into session by Governor Northam in mid-August to consider his budget and other measures precipitated by the COVID pandemic. As the state government grapples with unexpected expenses and loss of revenue, legislators are left to reprioritize as well as to facilitate the disbursement of federal funds to areas most needed.

Not surprisingly, landlord-tenant issues are among the items being considered. Many individuals who lost their jobs and income are finding it difficult to pay for rent and food. In addition, a 2018 New York Times article ranked Virginia as one of the top five states in number of evictions. While much of the data used in that study were incomplete and inaccurate (counting unlawful detainers filed as opposed to actual evictions, for example), the legislature has since that time proposed numerous measures to help tenants.

Legislators are being inundated by appeals from constituents, housing groups, clergy and others to provide rent relief for tenants. Realtors® have been working closely with House and Senate legislators to craft legislation to help tenants impacted by COVID without causing undue harm to landlords. We have stressed that many landlords have also faced economic adversity due to the pandemic and rely on rent payments to pay mortgages on those properties.

WHAT IS BEING CONSIDERED?

As of this writing, Realtors® have made progress on two key pieces of legislation. These bills propose a limited rent relief program. They provide that the landlord offer a renter who is delinquent on rent the opportunity to participate in a payment plan. If the tenant does not agree to this plan within a specified time, the landlord may terminate the lease and proceed to obtain possession of the premises.