Virginia Organizing advocates for housing bills

WAYNESBORO, Va. (WHSV) -Virginia Organizing was recently in Richmond to advocate for housing bills.

Andrea Jackson with the Waynesboro Chapter for Virginia Organizing said there are a handful of bills that Virginia Organizing is focusing on the Virginia General Assembly session in its final week. One bill that has passed the House and Senate, that is awaiting Governor Youngkin’s signature, would allow localities to sue landlords for housing conditions.

“Instead of putting the onus on the renters who probably in situations like that could not afford to sue the landlord,” said Jackson.

There is currently a five-day grace period to pay rent. After the grace period, tenants can be evicted from the property. Jackson said another bill will extend the grace period from five days to two weeks.

“This helps the landlords because they are getting their money even though it is late, but then it is also continuing to house people instead of going through the onus process of eviction,” said Jackson.

Jackson said Virginia Organizing narrowed the housing bills to ones they believe would support tenants the most. Statewide, Virginia Organizing is having a housing action week.

“Participating and drawing attention to the different housing bills and housing needs statewide,” said Jackson.

The Waynesboro Chapter will be outside of City Hall on March 11 before the City Council meeting, said Jackson. Afterwards they will be attending the city council meeting to support two affordable housing developments.

“We want our localities to do whatever they can possible to attract developers that are interested in investing in affordable housing,” said Jackson.

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