HB278

Virginia HB278 establishes local authority to combat rent gouging and sets civil penalties.

Virginia HB278 grants localities the authority to create anti-rent gouging ordinances, including setting an annual rent increase limit of up to three percent. The bill mandates the establishment of an anti-rent gouging board to oversee these ordinances, which can establish exemptions and handle challenges to rent increases. Landlords must notify tenants of any proposed rent increases. The bill also allows for civil penalties for non-compliance and prohibits landlords from obtaining possession orders in unlawful detainer actions if they fail to comply with the ordinance.