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SB 273

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; Eviction Diversion Program, eligibility.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mamie Locke

SB 273 revises Virginia's eviction diversion program eligibility standards to adjust tenant access to rental assistance and mediation services before court proceedings.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 818 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · SB 273

Legislative bill overview

SB 273 modifies Virginia's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act by adjusting eligibility requirements for the state's Eviction Diversion Program. The bill, which has passed committee with a substitute version, aims to refine who qualifies for assistance in preventing evictions through mediation and financial aid.

Why is this important

Eviction diversion programs serve as alternatives to court-ordered evictions, helping tenants avoid displacement while giving landlords a path to recover unpaid rent. Changes to eligibility directly affect how many vulnerable renters can access these protections and determine program costs and effectiveness at the state level.

Potential points of contention

  • Eligibility threshold scope: The substitute version likely narrowed or expanded who qualifies; stakeholders may disagree on whether criteria are too restrictive (limiting help to those in need) or too broad (straining program resources)
  • Landlord participation incentives: Eviction diversion requires voluntary landlord engagement; modifications may affect whether landlords view the program as sufficiently attractive compared to traditional eviction proceedings
  • Program funding implications: Broader eligibility increases state costs; narrower eligibility may leave vulnerable tenants without protection, creating debate over public responsibility versus fiscal constraints

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

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