With eviction moratorium expiring, city pushes renters and landlords toward rental assistance

The thrice-extended moratorium on evictions, put into place to keep renters in their homes despite worsening economic conditions, is about to run out.

With the moratorium set to expire on June 30, the City of Alexandria is directing local renters and landlords toward local and state rental relief programs to help prevent evictions in Alexandria.

One of the largest is the Virginia Rent Relief Program (RPP).

“The RRP provides eligible renters with assistance to cover rent payments past due beginning April 1, 2020,” the city said in a press release. “Renters can determine eligibility and submit applications online, or call 703.962.1884 for more information.”

The city said landlords can also apply on behalf of tenants to receive financial assistance for past-due or current rental payments.

“Landlords can determine eligibility and submit applications online, email [email protected] or call the City of Alexandria Office of Housing at 703.746.4990,” the city said.

Locally, the city’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) Office of Community Services (OCS) also provides rental assistance to eligible, low-income households facing a housing crisis or homelessness.

“Residents can call the DCHS Customer Call Center at 703.746.5700 or text 703.346.5599 to find out if they are eligible,” the city said.

For those facing imminent eviction, the Office of Housing offers support, including an “eviction prevention and housing stability toolkit”, landlord-tenant mediation, or training in Fair Housing law. The Office of Housing can be contacted at 703-746-4990.

While the moratorium has prevented some Alexandrians from expulsion, the prospect of eviction still hangs over at least 257 cases locals like a Sword of Damocles. Last year, residents in the West End and Arlandria protested against evictions and called for a rent freeze.