Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority issues in-person reminders to residents behind on rent

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — On Saturday, July 20, city representatives and members of the Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority (RRHA) went door-to-door across all communities in Richmond, including Mosby Court, to remind residents of their options to catch up on overdue rent payments.

The RRHA went to public housing neighborhoods to remind people of the Last Chance Repayment Agreement , which was brought forth under the “Compassion Action” plan introduced by RRHA back in April. They knock on over 3,000 doors, and they do it three times over the span of three months.

Earlier this year, RRHA also reported that a significant portion of public housing residents were behind on rent, prompting a temporary halt on evictions for a 30-day moratorium. They also announced that about 60% of families were behind on rent payments.

“This is an opportunity, not for us to say ‘how much do you owe?,'” said Steven Nesmith, the CEO of RRHA. “This is an opportunity for a fresh start and [to] start over and remain housed.”

Residents who find themselves in arrears with rent payments are encouraged to consider signing up for the Last Chance Repayment Agreement, which is available for balances exceeding $51.

This agreement provides a sustainable pathway for residents to settle their debts while maintaining their residence. However, the deadline for enrollment in this program is August 31; after this date, RRHA will resume lease enforcement actions against tenants with outstanding bills.

Earlier this year, RRHA disclosed a debt exceeding $3 million due to uncollected payments, highlighting the financial strain exacerbated by the pandemic. The repayment agreement extends beyond rent to include outstanding utility bills and other fees.

Community advocates, such as Alecia Venable from Venable Community Service Inc., underscored the importance of these initiatives in providing essential support to vulnerable populations at Saturday’s event.

“We got senior citizens out here who can’t walk to the rent office or don’t know how to use the computer,” Venable said. “How do we help those neighbors? So, I knock on their door and I advocate for them like what we’re doing today.”

Nesmith acknowledged past challenges in rent collection but emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of repayment agreements this time around.

“Unlike the past, where you could enter into a repayment agreement and default, enter into a repayment agreement and default, we can’t do that,” Nesmith said.

The ongoing efforts to support residents in financial distress reflect RRHA’s commitment to community welfare and housing stability amidst economic challenges.

“You got to remember, the RRHA is income-based housing, we are not a last resort of housing,” Nesmith said.

For Richmond residents living in public housing and facing rent arrears, the RRHA urges prompt action to explore available repayment options before the August 31 deadline.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRIC ABC 8News.