The Virginia Supreme Court has granted a request from Governor Ralph Northam for a temporary statewide moratorium on eviction proceedings.
The moratorium began on Monday, Aug. 10, and will remain in effect through Monday, Sept. 7. It halts all eviction proceedings related to failure to pay rent.
“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,” said the governor. “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.”
On June 29, the governor launched the Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP), which provided 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.
Tenants are encouraged to know their rights and responsibilities and pay their rent on time if they are able. Additional information and resources on tenant rights are available at StayHomeVirginia.com.