Tenant rights advocates are hosting a series of town halls across Virginia in the coming weeks to educate renters about new protections and hear their concerns.

The Virginia Poverty Law Center will host seven gatherings across the state to talk with renters about new laws that take effect July 1. The town halls also are intended to give residents a chance to discuss other issues that may need attention when the General Assembly meets again at the start of next year.

“We want to make sure we’re making every effort to teach residential tenants and people working with them about the new laws that go into effect July 1 of each year, so they can use them to their benefit,” said Christie Marra, director of housing advocacy for the law center.

One law taking effect in July says landlords cannot force tenants to pay for repairs or maintenance unless the tenants are in violation of the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

According to Eviction Lab, about 1 million people in Virginia are renters, and 13% of renters face eviction.

Another law passed during this year’s legislative session increases the number of days before a landlord can begin legal eviction proceedings from five days to 14. Marra said the policy is important for tenants who are struggling to make rent.

“This is critical, especially for people who are getting paid every other week or applying for rental assistance from one of their local nonprofits,” Marra said. “Those five days just aren’t enough time if you’ve got an unexpected expense.”

Some town halls will be hosted in partnership with local Virginia groups, including the League of Women Voters of Virginia, the Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley and Virginia Organizing.

Source: Public News Service