The Local Anti-Rent Gouging Authority grants localities the authority to adopt anti-rent gouging provisions through ordinances and mandates notice and a public hearing before the adoption of such ordinances.
Yes to HB721/SB366 - Anti-Rent Gouging Legislation | Virginia Legislative Agenda
This bill adopts anti-rent gouging provisions, providing necessary protections for residents facing the challenges of housing affordability.
Virginia needs housing justice.
The bill's five important provisions
Rent Increase Limits requires landlords to give at least two months’ written notice of a rent increase; caps rent increases at the locality’s calculated allowance, based on the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index or seven percent, whichever is less; and specifies that the allowance is effective for a 12-month period beginning July 1 each year.
Civil Penalty permits localities to establish a civil penalty for non-compliance with the ordinance.
Anti-Rent Gouging Board allows localities to establish a board to develop rules for landlords to apply for exemptions from rent increase limits.
Exemptions and Facilities outlines specific facilities exempt from the ordinance.
Ramon Paz who lives in Prince William County, said, “In the last five years, we have seen a significant increase in rent — rising almost 15%, reaching an approximate cost of $2,000 in a 2-bedroom apartment, not including bills. This is very worrisome because it causes many families to be displaced from their homes or to experience shortages in their households, as more is spent on rent. Housing is a fundamental human right and for this reason I am asking today that the Virginia General Assembly support legislation that would stabilize the cost of rents and improve this difficult situation that we Virginians face year after year with the increase in rent.”
