Virginia REALTORS^® has received communication from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), informing us that the Virginia Rent Relief program (RRP) will close to all new applications at 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2022. This decision is based on a review of the number of outstanding applications, total amount requested from current applications, and current funds left in the program. Effective immediately, any application submitted will be prioritized based on the following criteria and then processed on a first-come, first-served basis: (1) Households with income less than 50% of AMI; or (2) Households with one or more individuals that have not been employed for the 90-day period preceding the date of application. In addition, DHCD has informed us that due to the closing of the RRP application portal, RRP will not be rolling out the new ID.me program. DHCD had announced that the ID.me program would become effective on April 25.  However, ID.me will no longer be required to access the rent relief portal.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

Current law states that landlords must provide the tenant with a 14-day notice explaining the RRP and notifying the tenant that the landlord will apply on their behalf within 14 days. While this notice provision is in effect until June 30, 2022, the law goes on to state that if the RRP runs out of money, a landlord may proceed with eviction. Effective May 16, 2022, landlords will no longer need to apply to the RRP on behalf of tenants who have not paid their rent. However, please remember the notice provision is still effective until June 30, 2022.

Virginia REALTORS^® has updated template notices for non-payment of rent (These can be used as of May 16, 2022.):

• PM Late Rent Notice – 4 or Fewer Residential Rental Units
• PM Late Rent Notice – 5 or More Residential Rental Units

If you have questions about the Rent Relief Program’s conclusion and what it means for your business, please contact the Virginia REALTORS^® Legal Hotline.