Virginia House Bill HB909

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; prohibited discrimination, national origin.

Impact

The legislation is set to amend the Code of Virginia by introducing clear prohibitions against discrimination in real estate transactions based on national origin. It brings forward the responsibilities of landlords to ensure equitable treatment of all tenants. Under this bill, any tenant affected by discriminatory practices has recourse to seek legal remedies outlined within the Virginia Fair Housing Law, which includes the option to claim actual damages incurred due to such discrimination.

Summary

House Bill 909 proposes amendments to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, specifically addressing prohibited discrimination based on national origin in rental agreements. The bill stipulates that landlords cannot discriminate against individuals regarding the rental terms or services connected to dwelling units on the basis of their national origin. This provision aims to protect tenants from unlawful termination of agreements and various forms of disadvantageous treatment during their tenure in rental properties.

Contention

One significant point of contention surrounding HB 909 could be its implications on landlords' rights to terminate rental agreements. While the bill enables tenants to defend against eviction based on discriminatory practices, it also preserves landlords' rights to terminate agreements in specific circumstances—such as tenant default on rent or violation of health and safety codes. The need to balance these rights creates a core debate among stakeholders, as landlords may argue that the bill complicates their ability to manage properties effectively while tenant advocacy groups assert that it is essential for protecting vulnerable communities from discriminatory practices.