New state renters protection law aims to reduce evictions for public housing tenants

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Tenants living in public housing across Virginia are now protected by a new law aimed at reducing evictions and eliminating certain fees.

As of July 1, public housing authorities issuing notices of nonpayment to renters must now print those notices on pink or orange paper to clearly inform tenants of their rights. This is part of a broader push to strengthen renter protections and help prevent homelessness.

Tyrena Hudson, a public housing tenant in Richmond, knows firsthand the struggle of staying afloat.

“A lot of people are not able to pay rent. Maybe they can pay rent one month, but they can't afford to do it the next month,” Hudson said. “And I don't think that's fair, that they just kick people in the street like that.”

Hudson, who has dealt with medical issues, unemployment, and the responsibility of caring for six children, fell behind on rent and owed nearly $5,000 in 2024. She said she saw many others in similar situations, particularly elderly residents.

“It was a lot of older people in there that really didn't have nowhere to go, owing all that money,” she said.

Under the new law, tenants like Hudson won’t be required to pay a bond when appealing an eviction if they can’t afford to pay rent. Additionally, landlords are now prohibited from charging extra maintenance fees unless the tenant caused the damage themselves.

Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D-Henrico), who was one of many who led efforts to pass the law, hailed it as a step forward to address the housing crisis.

“There are individuals who are facing fees like they've never experienced before,” Aird said. “There is a housing shortage, and in some cases, the conditions of housing are less than they should be.”

Del. Rae Cousins added a statement saying:

"Evictions are devastating for families living in public housing, often leading to homelessness and worsening poverty. That is why I introduced and championed this bill empowering our most vulnerable residents to appeal eviction decisions, especially when errors have been made by the housing authority. The passage of this bill is a meaningful step toward justice and peace of mind for these families, and I will continue to advocate for the tenants in my district and across the Commonwealth."

Richmond City Councilmember Stephanie Lynch added, “Hopefully this sends a message to all public housing authorities that our residents and our neighbors matter, that their voices matter, and that the goal is to keep people safely housed for as long as possible.”

Hudson hopes the new law will encourage more communication between housing authorities and tenants.

“Instead of them coming to you trying to talk to you to see what's going on they just slap something on your door and you go to court,” Hudson said.

Senator Aird said she will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the law in keeping tenants in their homes.