Richmond Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction and Homeowner Protection Ordinance

What it requires

• On controlled units, raise rent only by the Annual General Adjustment, which takes effect each September 1. Rent control covers multi-unit properties built before February 1, 1995; single-family homes, condos, newer buildings, and subsidized units are not rent-controlled.
• End a tenancy only for one of eight causes: nonpayment, lease breach, nuisance, refusing access, temporary vacancy for repairs, owner move-in, withdrawal from the rental market, or the end of an owner’s temporary rental.
• File a copy of every rent increase, change-of-terms, and termination notice with the Rent Program, with proof of service. The ordinance says to file before serving; the Rent Program’s current guidance allows up to 10 business days after. Filing before you serve satisfies both.
• Pay the Residential Rental Housing Fee with the business license each year. Unpaid fees or unfiled notices are a complete defense to an eviction.
• Owner move-in, repair, and withdrawal evictions require relocation payments.

Owner checklist

• Business license and rental housing fee paid
• Increase checked against the current AGA
• Notice filed with the Rent Program, ideally before it’s served
• Relocation amount confirmed for no-fault terminations