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Bill

SB 803

Virginia Fair Housing Law; regulations defining terms related to unlawful conduct.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 1 co-sponsor

SB 803 expands Virginia fair housing law to explicitly prohibit quid pro quo harassment and strengthen protections against discriminatory housing practices.

Governor's recommendation received by Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 803

Legislative bill overview

SB 803 expands Virginia's fair housing protections by explicitly prohibiting quid pro quo harassment in housing transactions and strengthening enforcement mechanisms against discriminatory housing practices. The bill clarifies what constitutes illegal housing discrimination and provides additional remedies for victims.

Why is this important

Housing discrimination remains a persistent civil rights issue, and explicit statutory language addressing quid pro quo harassment (conditioning housing benefits on sexual favors or other coercive conduct) closes potential legal loopholes. Strengthened protections can improve market access for protected classes and reduce barriers to homeownership and rentals for vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition precision: Opposition may argue the quid pro quo language is vague or creates liability concerns for landlords/property managers based on subjective interpretations of conduct
  • Business compliance costs: Property management industry stakeholders may claim expanded obligations require costly training programs, legal review, and administrative burdens
  • Enforcement scope: Debate over whether enforcement mechanisms overly favor complainants, including questions about burden of proof, damages caps, and attorney's fee provisions

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

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