Bill > SB273

This bill amends the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to modify the Eviction Diversion Program, which is a court-supervised process designed to help tenants avoid eviction by allowing them to catch up on rent through a payment plan. Key changes include reducing the initial payment required from a tenant to enter the program from 25% to 10% of the amount due, and altering eligibility criteria by removing the requirement for a tenant to be employed and instead focusing on whether they have income and sufficient funds to make payments, while also removing past late payment history as a disqualifier and instead focusing on whether the tenant has defaulted on any previous payment plans within the last 12 months. Additionally, general district courts that implement the program are now required to attach information about the program, including eligibility requirements, to any summons for unlawful detainer, which is a legal document initiating an eviction lawsuit. The bill also adjusts the payment schedule for the court-ordered payment plan, requiring payments of 30% of the outstanding rent in three installments over three months, and allows for electronic funds transfer as a payment method.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB273