
At Gov. Ralph Northam’s request, the state’s Supreme Court on Friday granted a temporary statewide moratorium on eviction proceedings.
The moratorium, which will begin on Monday and remain in effect through Sept. 7, halts all eviction proceedings related to failure to pay rent.
Northam requested this moratorium in a letter to Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Lemons on July 24.
“Today’s decision comes at a time when we are still battling this public health crisis and need all Virginians to maintain safe, stable housing,” Northam said in a prepared statement. “As the ongoing Congressional stalemate leaves hundreds of thousands of Virginians without federal housing protection or unemployment relief, this is a critical step towards keeping families safely in their homes. I am grateful to the Virginia Supreme Court for granting this order, and I look forward to working with the General Assembly this month to develop more permanent legislative protections for Virginia homeowners and tenants.”
Northam launched the Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program on June 29, which provides an initial $50 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for Virginia households facing eviction and foreclosure due to COVID-19.
Eligibility and application information for the RMRP is available here.
Tenants are encouraged to know their rights and responsibilities and pay their rent on time if they are able. Please visit StayHomeVirginia.com for additional information and resources on tenant rights.
Friday’s order from the Virginia Supreme Court can be found here.
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