Housing

The Eviction Lab at Princeton University released a report on Monday, rating states’ housing policies during the pandemic. Virginia, which has 2.6 million renters, was among the lowest-ranking states.

In an effort to address Richmond’s emergency housing needs during the COVID-19 outbreak, Mayor Levar Stoney announced Tuesday that $5.8 million in local and federal funding will soon be available.

Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners will hold its first virtual meeting on Wednesday. This change comes after Richmond City Council passed an ordinance last week allowing government agencies to stream public meetings online in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

A longtime food distribution program at Richmond’s public housing communities has been discontinued, as of April 1 and until further notice. Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority said the decision comes in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put millions out of work and many are struggling economically. A new survey by Apartment List found more than 10% of tenants didn’t pay April’s rent, another 13% made a partial payment. VPM spoke with Steve Fischbach, director of litigation at the Virginia Poverty Law Center to learn about options for tenants and homeowners in the state.

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting some Virginians’ incomes, but tenants are still required to pay their rents. And while tenants may have an opportunity to get in good standing with their landlords — advocates say going on strike isn’t the way to do it.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney urged Gov. Ralph Northam on Thursday to develop a relief plan for renters and homeowners struggling to make payments during the pandemic.

As COVID-19 cases overwhelm hospitals in New York, one man in Central Virginia says he has a plan - and a property - to quarantine thousands of people in RVs. State officials don't seem eager.

Richmond General District Court Judge Lawrence Cann issued an order Monday halting all evictions in the city.

Virginians facing economic hardship due to the coronavirus disease, COVID-19, have new protections against losing their homes. But housing advocates are working to make sure this applies to all renters for the duration of this pandemic.