In 2025, the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority launched its eviction diversion program, which is designed to reduce eviction rates by connecting residents with additional support and services. The Legal Aid Justice Center, and one of its clients currently living in a CRHA property, say they’ve seen more lawsuits for low amounts, and more eviction filings at odds with CRHA’s public claims.
Back rent has been a major issue for CRHA, and other affordable and market-rate property managers, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In November 2024, CRHA reported more than $232,000 in unpaid rent at its properties. Work on the eviction diversion program began in the months following at the behest of outgoing CRHA Executive Director John Sales, aiming to help residents access resources to assist with repayment or other compliance issues like housekeeping…