Virginia Resources Available for Rent and Mortgage Relief

Having a place to live is a critical basic need. The housing crisis has been exacerbated by the pandemic and, since the eviction moratorium ended on July 31, it is important for tenants and landlords to know about the funds and resources that are available for rent and mortgage relief. The Virginia Rent Relief Program (RRP) is designed to support and ensure housing stability across the Commonwealth during the pandemic. Depending on availability of funds and household need, the RRP may provide financial assistance for rent payments for eligible households. This includes financial assistance for rent payments past due beginning April 1, 2020 and onward, with renewal opportunities based on the availability of funding and the household’s need for additional assistance and continued eligibility. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development website or call 703-962-1884. You do not need to wait until an eviction to apply for relief and landlords and tenants can apply.  Delegate Marcia Price is participating in a Housing Help and Resources seminar on Tuesday, August 3 at 7 p.m. at New Beech Grove Baptist Church (361 Beechmont Drive). During this seminar, Delegate Price and representatives from the Virginia Poverty Law Center will talk about rent relief resources, tenants rights and housing resources in the area. Delegate Price also has a list of housing supports on her website, including phone numbers and links to resources that can help. On July 30, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced an extension of its moratorium on evictions for foreclosed borrowers and their occupants through September 30, 2021, and noted the expiration of the foreclosure moratorium on July 31, 2021. This extension is part of President Biden’s announcement on July 29 that federal agencies will use their authority to extend their respective eviction moratoria through the end of September, which will provide continued protection for households living in federally-insured, single-family properties. FHA’s eviction moratorium extension will avoid displacement of foreclosed borrowers and other occupants who need more time to access suitable housing options after foreclosure. For more information view the press release on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website.