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Virginians seeking assistance through the Virginia Rent Relief Program (RRP) must be aware of its current operational status to effectively find housing stability support. The statewide emergency program, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, is no longer active. A network of localized and specialized assistance programs has since become the primary source of aid for renters facing financial hardship.
Understanding this new landscape is the first step toward securing available resources, preventing eviction, and maintaining stable housing within the Commonwealth.
Program Closure and Fund Depletion
The large-scale, statewide Virginia Rent Relief Program (RRP) that provided critical support to thousands of households is closed. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), which administered the program, officially closed the RRP application portal to new submissions at 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2022. This closure marked the end of the program's intake phase.
Following the portal's closure, the DHCD continued to process the substantial backlog of submitted applications. By October 14, 2022, the agency announced that all available federal and state funds allocated to the RRP had been fully exhausted. All complete and eligible applications received before the May 15 deadline were processed for payment. However, any outstanding applications that did not meet the stringent state and federal eligibility criteria did not receive funding.
A Historic Pandemic Response
Launched in June 2020, the RRP was one of the nation's first statewide rent and mortgage relief initiatives. It utilized federal funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the subsequent Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. Its primary mission was to ensure housing stability across Virginia during the unprecedented economic disruption caused by the pandemic.
The program offered financial assistance for tenants to cover:
The program was a significant success, serving as a national model for its rapid and efficient disbursement of ERA funds. By March 31, 2022, the RRP had already distributed over $713 million in 141,330 payments to more than 104,990 households. This historic effort played a crucial role in preventing a widespread eviction crisis.
Navigating the New Landscape of Aid
Despite the program's closure, outdated information may still exist online. Some websites might reference the RRP as an active resource or provide links to the former application portal on platforms like Gov2Go. These resources are no longer valid for new applicants.
The closure of this centralized state program created a significant shift in how rental assistance is administered in Virginia. The system has transitioned from a single portal to a decentralized ecosystem of local and specialized aid programs. A renter's access to financial help is now primarily determined by their geographic location and individual circumstances.
With the conclusion of the statewide RRP, the responsibility for providing emergency rental assistance has shifted to county and city governments, often in partnership with local nonprofits. These programs are tailored to the specific needs of their communities and represent the most direct path to financial aid for most renters.
Many current programs are structured as "eviction prevention" or "diversion" initiatives. This means they are designed to intervene at a point of crisis, may require landlord participation, and often involve case management to address the root causes of housing instability.
For quick reference, the table below summarizes active local programs in key Virginia localities.
| County/City | Program Name/Key Contact | Current Status | Primary Contact Information/Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loudoun County | Rent & Mortgage Assistance Programs | Active (Launched May 2024) | Administered by Loudoun Cares;(https://www.loudoun.gov/5348/Rent-Mortgage-Assistance) |
| Fairfax County | Emergency Rental Assistance Bridge Program (ERA-BP) | Active | Coordinated Services Planning (CSP): 703-222-0880 |
| Richmond (City) | Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) | Active | Administered by SCDHC;(https://www.scdhc.com/eviction-diversion-program) |
| Norfolk (City) | Norfolk Eviction Prevention Center | Status Varies (Portal may be closed) | Monitor Norfolk Eviction Prevention Center for updates |
| Alexandria (City) | Office of Community Services (OCS) Rental Assistance | Active | DCHS Customer Call Center: 703-746-5700 |
| Chesterfield County | Regional Referral-Based System | Active (No single county program) | Housing Resource Line: 804-422-5061 |
Loudoun County: Proactive Local Funding
In response to the ongoing need, the Loudoun County government launched two new rent and mortgage assistance programs in May 2024. These initiatives are funded directly by the county, demonstrating a local commitment to filling the gap left by the statewide RRP.
The programs are administered by the nonprofit organization Loudoun Cares, which works with a network of community partners, including:
This partnership model ensures applicants are connected to a broad range of support services, from employment help to legal counsel. Residents can find instructional videos on how to complete the application on the county's website.
Fairfax County: The Emergency Rental Assistance Bridge Program (ERA-BP)
Fairfax County has continued to provide robust support through its Emergency Rental Assistance Bridge Program (ERA-BP), designed to support renters experiencing financial hardship. The county maintains a dual-entry system to make assistance accessible.
Eligibility for the ERA-BP is based on specific criteria, including having a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and a rental rate that does not exceed 150% of the Fair Market Rent (FMR). The program can provide up to four months of assistance.
City of Richmond: Focus on Eviction Diversion
The City of Richmond addresses rental crises through its Eviction Diversion Program (EDP). Administered by the Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation (SCDHC), this program intervenes when a tenant has fallen behind on rent and is at risk of eviction.
The EDP provides financial assistance to pay past-due rent, aiming to bring a tenant's balance to zero within three months or less. A key feature is that it requires the landlord's active participation, framing the program as a mediated solution to prevent an unlawful detainer filing.
For broader assistance, Richmond area residents can contact two primary regional hotlines:
City of Norfolk: The Eviction Prevention Center
The City of Norfolk's Department of Neighborhood Services leads eviction prevention efforts through its Eviction Prevention Center. This program provides one-time financial assistance to eligible Norfolk renters facing eviction due to an unforeseen hardship.
The program's application portal status can fluctuate based on funding availability. Residents are strongly advised to continuously monitor the official Norfolk Eviction Prevention Center webpage for the most current updates.
Key program requirements include:
City of Alexandria: Integrated Community Services
In Alexandria, rental assistance is integrated into the broader social services framework through the Office of Community Services (OCS). The program's goal is to stabilize low-income households facing a housing crisis to prevent evictions and homelessness.
To access assistance, residents should contact the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) Customer Call Center at 703-746-5700 to be screened for eligibility. This centralized contact simplifies the process for individuals under stress.
Chesterfield County: A Regional, Referral-Based Approach
Chesterfield County has transitioned to a regional, referral-based system rather than maintaining a single, dedicated emergency rental assistance program. The primary entry points for housing assistance are regional hotlines serving the greater Richmond area.
Additionally, the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services offers numerous programs through the state's Common Help portal.
Beyond local emergency programs, Virginia maintains a multi-layered strategy for promoting housing stability. Two significant statewide programs, the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) and the Virginia Eviction Reduction Program (VERP), exemplify this approach by targeting specific populations and addressing systemic issues.
State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)
The State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) is a specialized initiative administered by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). It is designed to foster independence for individuals with developmental disabilities who are part of the Settlement Agreement population and wish to live in their own rental housing.
SRAP provides a tenant-based rental subsidy, similar to a federal Housing Choice Voucher, which empowers participants to lease private market housing that meets their needs. Access to SRAP is not through a direct application. Instead, referrals must be made by a Community Services Board (CSB) Support Coordinator or a private case manager.
Virginia Eviction Reduction Program (VERP)
The Virginia Eviction Reduction Program (VERP) is not a direct financial aid program for individuals. It is a systemic, state-funded pilot initiative managed by the DHCD to create and fund coordinated, local systems to prevent evictions.
VERP operates on a two-pronged strategy:
VERP is implemented through competitive grants awarded to local entities, such as the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) and the United Way of Henry County and Martinsville.
In the post-RRP era, navigational and legal support services have become essential "front doors" to the entire system of housing assistance. They provide guidance for a complex process and protect tenants from having to navigate a crisis alone.
2-1-1 Virginia: The Central Information Hub
For any Virginian facing a housing crisis, the single most important first step is to contact 2-1-1 Virginia. This service is a free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral hotline for the entire Commonwealth.
There are multiple ways to access this vital resource:
A trained community resource specialist will listen to your situation and provide referrals to the most appropriate local agencies and programs.
Legal Aid and Eviction Prevention: Know Your Rights
Facing eviction can be an intimidating process, but tenants have rights, and free legal assistance is available. It is illegal for a landlord to evict a tenant without a court order.
The most critical resource for tenants facing an immediate threat of eviction is the Eviction Legal Helpline.
The helpline, a project of the Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC), provides information about the legal eviction process, a consultation with a licensed attorney, and referrals to local legal aid offices. For more comprehensive support, tenants can contact their nearest legal aid society by calling
1-866-LEGLAID (1-866-534-5243).
Federal and Broader Housing Programs in Virginia
Beyond emergency assistance, long-term federal rental assistance programs operate continuously in Virginia. These are managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and are designed to provide stable housing for low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
The two primary programs are:
These are not emergency programs and almost always have long waiting lists. To apply or inquire about waitlist status, individuals must contact their local Public Housing Authority. Additionally, HUD-approved housing counselors offer free, expert advice on a wide range of housing topics.
No, landlords cannot apply for funds from the original Virginia Rent Relief Program (RRP). The statewide portal closed permanently in 2022. Landlords should work with tenants to seek assistance from currently active local government programs or non-profit organizations for any existing rental arrears.
No. According to IRS guidance, emergency rental assistance payments made through government programs like the Virginia Rent Relief Program are not considered taxable income for tenants. This relief was structured to prevent creating an additional financial burden for recipients.
Currently, there are no official plans to launch another statewide emergency program like the RRP. Virginia's strategy has shifted to funding local and regional initiatives through efforts like the Virginia Eviction Reduction Program (VERP), focusing on providing community-based support for housing stability.
Applications that were not processed before all funds were exhausted in late 2022 could not be approved. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) notified these applicants about the program's closure and provided information on other potential resources, such as 2-1-1 Virginia.
The RRP was a temporary emergency program providing direct, short-term financial aid for rent and utilities due to the pandemic. In contrast, the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program is a permanent federal subsidy that provides long-term rental assistance to low-income families.
Aside from exceeding income limits, applications for the Virginia Rent Relief Program were often denied due to incomplete documentation, failure to demonstrate a COVID-19 related financial hardship, or an inability to prove a risk of housing instability. Mismatched information between tenant and landlord could also cause delays or denial.
Yes. Many local social service departments and non-profits that provide rental assistance also offer utility payment support. Additionally, the Virginia Department of Social Services administers the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), which helps with heating and cooling costs for eligible households.
VERP is a key part of Virginia’s current strategy to prevent homelessness. It funds local and regional programs that provide legal aid, mediation services, and targeted financial assistance to stop evictions before they happen. It supports the system that has replaced the old statewide rent relief program.
Processing times for local rent relief programs vary by locality and demand. While some may offer rapid assistance, they generally do not operate on the same emergency scale as the former statewide RRP. It is crucial to contact your local provider immediately to understand their specific timeline.
No. Assistance provided through the official Virginia Rent Relief Program was a grant, not a loan, and does not need to be repaid. If anyone contacts you claiming you owe money for RRP funds, it is likely a scam. Report any such attempts to the authorities.
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