Notice to Landlords and Tenants regarding Eviction Diversion Pilot Program

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Notice to Landlords and Tenants regarding Eviction Diversion Pilot Program

NOTICE TO LANDLORDS AND TENANTS REGARDING EVICTION DIVERSION PILOT PROGRAM

 

The General District Court for the City of Richmond is an Eviction Diversion Pilot Program Court as of July 1, 2020.  Unlawful detainer (civil claim for eviction) cases filed in this court may be referred to the program to allow the tenant to make past-due rent payments on a court-ordered payment plan. 

To take part in the program, the tenant must:

·      Appear in court on the hearing date and time written on the Summons for Unlawful Detainer (Civil Claim for Eviction) and request to have the case referred to the program,

·      Pay at least 25% of the amount due on the hearing date,

o   Contact the landlord to confirm total amount due on the hearing date.

·      Swear in court that they are employed or otherwise have enough money to make payments under the payment plan,

·      Explain the reasons for being unable to make rental payment(s), and

·      Have a good rent payment record.

o   Have not made a late payment more than 2 times in the last six-month period, or more than 3 times in the last twelve-month period,

o   Have not had an unlawful detainer dismissed by paying to redeem the lease pursuant to Va. Code § 55.1-1250 in the last six months,

o   Have not participated in an eviction diversion program in the last twelve months.

If a case is referred to the program, the tenant must make all payments according to the court-ordered payment plan while also paying current ongoing rent on time as it becomes due each month.  When the payment plan is successfully completed, the court will dismiss the case.

Forms are available online at http://www.vacourts.gov/forms/district/civil.html

 

Additional local resources available to tenants:

·      The City of Richmond has a Voluntary Eviction Diversion Program (EDP). There are two ways to apply:

1.     Online: https://www.rvaevictions.org/  or

2.     By phone: 1-833-663-8428, press 4, and leave a message.

 

·      Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program. Apply by calling ACTS, (804) 644-2401.