By Olivia Anderson | [email protected]
Mayor Justin Wilson issued a letter on Tuesday urging Alexandria landlords to work with the city in providing rental assistance for households unable to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically when it comes to evictions.
“While evictions may proceed when the city community spread rate for the COVID virus is reduced, I ask that you consider holding off on proceeding with the eviction process for nonpayment of rent if a tenant is in the process of applying for rental assistance funds,” Wilson wrote.
This comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently extended the eviction moratorium for public health reasons until Oct. 3, 2021 for communities experiencing high spread of COVID-19, including Alexandria.
The letter goes on to explain the city’s collaboration with the Alexandria Eviction Protection Program, which provides access to available sources of rental assistance, helps property owners on behalf of residents and coordinates sources for unresolved applications.
Virginia Housing is offering resources to help tenants with fees and charges that date back to April 2020 for up to 15 months of assistance.
Various other programs such as the Virginia Rent Relief Program, the city’s Department of Community and Human Services Office of Community Services and the Office of Housing all offer additional support to both landlords and tenants.
“Together we can offer housing stability while Alexandria continues to recover,” Wilson wrote. For more information or to schedule a rental review service appointment, call 703-746-4990.
