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SB 1128

Va. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; affordable housing, criminal record screening model policy.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Louise Lucas

Virginia bill establishing landlord criminal record screening guidelines and affordable housing policies for rental housing was vetoed by the Governor and veto was sustained.

Senate sustained Governor's veto
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1128

Legislative bill overview

SB 1128 would have modified Virginia's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to establish a model policy for criminal record screening by landlords and to address affordable housing provisions. The bill passed through the legislature but was vetoed by the Governor on March 24, 2025, and the Senate did not have sufficient votes to override the veto.

Why is this important

Criminal background screening policies directly affect housing access for individuals with prior convictions, a significant barrier to reentry and economic stability. The bill's affordable housing provisions could have influenced housing availability and affordability standards across Virginia's rental market, affecting both tenants and landlords statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Balance between tenant protection and landlord discretion: Model criminal screening policies may be viewed as either necessary consumer protection or as an undue restriction on property owners' ability to evaluate tenants
  • Implementation costs and burdens: New screening requirements or affordable housing mandates could increase compliance costs for landlords, potentially affecting rental prices
  • Scope of criminal records: Disagreement over which offenses should disqualify tenants, how long ago convictions occurred, and whether sealed/expunged records should be considered

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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