Local advocacy taking legal action against RRHA, alleging violations of federal law

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A class action lawsuit has been filed against the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA), alleging violations of federal law. 

The Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC) filed a 27-page lawsuit claiming that RRHA had failed to offer a hardship exemption to vulnerable tenants who couldn't afford rent.

According to LAJC, under federal and state law, RRHA's policies require a minimum rent payment of no more than $50 per month for tenants with little to no income. Furthermore, federal law allows certain tenants who are facing financial hardships -- such as loss of benefits, eviction or a significant change in income -- to be exempt from paying rent altogether.

The LAJC asserts that RRHA has only granted one hardship exemption since 2019. Michaela Ross, a senior attorney at LAJC, emphasized the importance of RRHA providing these options, particularly as rent prices continue to rise.

"It’s really expensive to afford rent and RRHA provides some of the only deeply affordable housing in the entire city," Ross said. "These residents who qualify for the hardship exemption are the ones who most need housing affordability. So, by denying them their federal rights, RRHA is putting them at risk of losing their homes, at a time when that has really significant consequences for people."

Ross also says they want RRHA to modify its policies to ensure that individuals are aware of the hardship exemption option. In addition, LAJC is calling for RRHA to credit back the unnecessary minimum rent that some residents have been paying.

Although RRHA has yet to be formally served with the lawsuit, they provided a statement on the matter:

The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) has read and reviewed the press release from the Legal Aid Justice Center. From that press release, we understand that a lawsuit has been filed alleging that RRHA is in violation of federal laws. RRHA takes any allegation of a violation of federal laws very seriously and looks forward to seeing the actual lawsuit so that we can respond accordingly.  RRHA has not been served and has not seen the lawsuit, so, at this time, we cannot speak to the lawsuit's merits. It is important to note that RRHA takes our responsibility to  taxpayers and the citizens of the city of Richmond seriously in providing access to  affordable housing (income based housing). It is common knowledge that RRHA is in the process of renewed lease enforcement and is moving forward systematically. These actions are likely creating issues and challenges to those who have not honored their responsibility for rental payments of leased property. RRHA strives to treat all of our residents respectfully and responsibly, uphold our fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers and ensure that we are in compliance with the mandates of federal housing law. RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith.

A fully copy of the class action complaint can be read below: