Virginia House Bill HB1830

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23

Caption

Virginia Residential Landlord & Tenant Act; landlord remedies, noncompliance with rental agreement.

Impact

If enacted, the proposed changes will significantly affect landlord-tenant relationships by providing landlords with clearer pathways to enforce compliance. This includes the ability to recover costs, seek damages for noncompliance, and potentially expedite eviction processes. One major aspect of the bill is its provision preventing landlords from discriminating against applicants based on payment history or evictions that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency, reflecting a sensitive approach to the ongoing repercussions of the pandemic on housing.

Summary

House Bill 1830 proposes amendments to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, primarily focusing on procedures and penalties related to noncompliance with rental agreements. The bill allows landlords to terminate rental agreements and seek possession of premises after notifying tenants of breaches, with specific timelines for tenants to remedy these breaches. Notably, landlords can act swiftly in cases of criminal acts or willful misconduct that threaten health and safety, allowing for immediate termination of the rental agreement without waiting for a criminal conviction. The bill aims to provide a more efficient resolution process for landlords in evicting tenants who violate terms of their agreements.

Contention

However, the bill has faced criticism, especially regarding its implications for tenant rights and protections. Critics argue that the expedited processes for eviction and penalties for noncompliance could disproportionately affect vulnerable tenants, particularly those facing financial hardships or personal crises. Furthermore, concerns about the definition of 'criminal acts' and the potential for misuse of landlord powers were raised, highlighting a need for careful balancing between the rights of tenants and the interests of landlords.