Bill > HB837

This bill modifies the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act by altering the eligibility requirements for tenants to participate in the Eviction Diversion Program, which is designed to help tenants avoid eviction by providing a structured payment plan. Key changes include reducing the initial payment required from 25% to 10% of the amount due, broadening the definition of income to include more sources than just employment, and replacing previous restrictions on late payments and past participation in redemption rights with a simpler rule that tenants cannot owe outstanding rent under any payment plan within the last 12 months. Additionally, the bill mandates that general district courts implementing the program must provide information about it, including eligibility criteria, with any summons for unlawful detainer (a legal action to evict a tenant), and allows these courts to set their own additional eligibility requirements for tenants participating in their specific program.

Business and Industry, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB837