Allow Rent Stabilization in Virginia
Why is rent stabilization needed?
Rent is rising drastically in Virginia. During the pandemic, from 2020 to 2022, average rents rose by about 20% in Henrico, Chesterfield, Spotsylvania, Hampton, Virginia Beach, and Bedford County. Prior to the pandemic, from March 2019 to March 2020, average rent increased by over 10% in Manassas Park, Chesapeake, Alexandria, Stafford, and Herndon. While average rent increases are high, many tenants experience rent increases more than double that of the average rent increase in their locality. Virginia families are being forced into unsafe living conditions and eviction because of large rent increases.
How would rent stabilization help?
Rent stabilization legislation would prevent displacement and provide housing stability by allowing localities to cap rent increases at the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the year.
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I am writing to express my support for HB 1532 introduced by Del. Clark and SB 1278 introduced by Sen. Boysko which will allow localities to enact rent stabilization.
Rent has risen drastically in Virginia. During the pandemic, from 2020 to 2022, average rents rose by about 20% in Henrico, Chesterfield, Spotsylvania, Hampton, Virginia Beach, and Bedford County. Prior to the pandemic, from March 2019 to March 2020, average rent increased by over 10% in Manassas Park, Chesapeake, Alexandria, Stafford, and Herndon. While average rent increases are high, many tenants experience rent increases more than double that of the average rent increase in their locality. Virginia families are being forced into unsafe living conditions and eviction. With no mechanism to limit rent increases, displacement and eviction of families and communities will continue to surge across Virginia.
I urge you to support HB 1532 and SB 1278 to limit displacement and provide rent predictability for tenants.