A sign advertising an apartment for rent in Richmond’s Fan neighborhood. (Wyatt Gordon for the Virginia Mercury)
By Thailon Wilson / Capital News Service
State lawmakers did not advance legislation this session that aimed to slow rising rent prices, although affordable housing remains a big concern for constituents.
Two proposed bills would have allowed localities to adopt anti-rent gouging provisions, prevent landlords from increasing rent without at least two-month notice, and set an annual allowance between 7% and 15% for rent increases.
Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, introduced Senate Bill 366 , which is dead after it was defeated in committee.
Del. Nadarius Clark, D-Suffolk, introduced House Bill 721 , which was continued to 2025. Committee members raised concerns over potential problems and wanted to see some research, possibly from the Virginia Housing Commission. One member suggested a possible pilot program.
This was the third year that Clark attempted to pass some type of rent stabilization bill. The others were tabled or passed by indefinitely. The fact that the bill was not struck down shows growing support, Clark said.