Starting January 1, 2021, the landlord will still be required to notify their tenants about rent relief programs but could proceed with an eviction if the tenant is denied aid, the program runs out of funds, or it takes the state longer than 45 days to make a payment. They may proceed with the eviction process within 14 days of notifying the tenant through a written notice. The burden of applying for state funding to cover back rent falls on the landlord and not the tenant. While there are some protections in place, this approach is not ideal, and therefore, an eviction moratorium should be advocated for especially, as COVID-19 cases are rapidly rising.

But what happens when someone is unable to pay their rent because the coronavirus has stolen their future? CASA seeks housing justice for families affected by the pandemic, especially during Virginia’s 2021 legislative session. CASA supports the budget proposal to increase rent relief to Virginians that are experiencing financial hardship during COVID – 19, especially the immigrant community.