State Senator introduces bill to give tenants more time to pay late rent before being evicted

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- From July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, landlords in Virginia filed nearly 140,000 eviction lawsuits, a number State Senator Aaron Rouse (D-Virginia Beach) wants to see decreased.

Rouse has introduced a bill ahead of the 2026 General Assembly Session to increase the amount of time a tenant has to pay back rent before a landlord can file an eviction lawsuit. 

“In this type of economy, in this type of era that we’re in, it’s particularly important that we try and keep folks within their homes,” Rouse told 8News. 

Rouse is hoping to increase the amount of time a tenant has to pay back rent after receiving written notice from their landlord from 5 days to 14 days. Rouse said it’s important to give tenants time to get another paycheck or to look for rental assistance before incurring the costs associated with eviction proceedings. 

“Evictions, once they go to court, it’s more expensive for all parties involved,” Rouse said. “It’s important that those who are trying to get caught up on their rent don’t have to now worry about trying to fight evictions legally.” 

Earlier this year, the Virginia REALTORS' Association testified against similar bills, saying tenants already have the option to pay back rent up to 48 hours before they are actually kicked out of thier homes. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed those bills, saying, “Current law already provides for a waiting period before eviction proceedings can begin, ensuring that tenants have an opportunity to address missed payments. Since tenants may already halt eviction proceedings by paying any amount of overdue rent this bill is unnecessary.”