RICHMOND, Va. - Governor Northam announced Thursday the expansion of the state's Rent and Mortgage Relief Program for landlords.
The program provides funding to assist households facing evictions or foreclosures due to COVID-19.
Landlords can now apply to receive financial assistance for current and past-due rental payments dating back to April 1 on behalf of their tenants who qualify for RMRP. This new application is available in addition to the existing tenant-based application.
Current state and federal eviction protections through the courts do not prevent rent and mortgage payments from accumulating.
“Housing is key to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all Virginians,” said Governor Northam. “We continue to look for innovative ways to reach as many households and property owners as possible throughout this pandemic and our economic recovery. Expanding this program will provide much needed relief for landlords and property owners facing financial hardship and help ensure that more Virginia families can remain safely in their homes.”
Virginia Housing, the state’s housing finance agency, has partnered with the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to manage landlord-initiated applications.
Eligible households must demonstrate difficulty in making rent or mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Monthly rent must be at or below 150 percent of fair market rent (FMR) and eligible households must have a gross household income at or below 80 percent of area median income (AMI).
A federal moratorium on evictions from the CDC is currently in place through December 31 and suspends eviction proceedings for households facing eviction due to unpaid rent. The moratorium requires tenants to sign a declaration of eligibility and deliver the document to their landlord, but does not prevent rent payments from accumulating.
To submit a landlord-initiated application, click here. Tenants interested in applying, click here.