RRHA starts evictions for residents not complying with second chance repayment program

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Time has officially run out for hundreds of Richmond tenants who aren’t taking advantage of the second chance repayment plan.

After a three week pause because of the water crisis, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) officials are moving forward with lease enforcement for residents who aren't cooperating with their Compassion Action Plan and owe between $10,000 to $34,000 dollars in debt.

“As CEO, I have a fiduciary responsibility to reduce that debt and report that to our board of commissioners,” said CEO Steven Nesmith.

According to RRHA, 378 residents have either defaulted on repaying their debt or are “gaming” the system by paying every other month.

Residents have 30 days to pay back all the money they owe or they will be removed from housing.

Nesmith said those facing eviction will have an opportunity to appeal in court whether the money they owe is accurate.

“We’ve made tons and tons of phone calls, phone banking, and some residents said, ‘Stop calling me, stop knocking on my door,’” Nesmith said. “Well, with our huge waiting list, thousands of people on the waiting list are saying, ‘I can make that minimum payment.’”

Charlene Riley, a tenant who signed up for the program back in August 2024, initially had more than $2,000 in rent debt. Since joining the program, Riley has paid off nearly $700.

“I felt like the program worked because I made it work and I was committed to making sure that I get these things done,” said Riley.

Riley said she understands RRHA’s need to free up these spaces so they can give them to individuals who can afford to pay rent.

“It's going to be sad and it's going to be a rude awakening for some people,” Riley said. “People need housing and we can't just keep sitting around giving people a chance when there are people experiencing homelessness. Some people are going to have to perish so that other people can go home. And if that's what it is going to have to take, it's just what it's going to have to take.”

RRHA said they will be partnering with local organizations who aid the unhoused as a way to help those that are evicted.