Virginia Landlords may not be able to raise rent
Virginia legislators are looking at an anti-rent gouging bill that would limit the amount of rent landlords can charge (per 13 News Now). If passed this would keep renters from dealing with increases that make where they live unaffordable.
I have heard landlords say they had to raise rent to cover repairs and there is another issue related to renters in Virginia and the homeowners that involves upkeep of the property.
Local landlords are selling their properties
Roanoke Community Resources has lists of property owners with available housing. I have made phone calls from the list for a few people trying to help them find somewhere to live and there has been a common theme over the past few years.
When I have dialed some phone numbers on the lists many potential landlords will say they sold their rental property because it was too expensive to keep up and are no longer renting.
Renters are being forced to move
I know of at least 4 current situations where after landlords had to put out money to make repairs they decided not to renew leases which caused renters to have to pack up and move again.