Senate subcommittee advances bill to extend eviction notice period from 5 to 14 days

Sen. Rouse told the subcommittee he sponsored SB48 to lengthen the statutory pay-or-quit notice period from five days to 14 days so tenants have more time to catch up on rent before an eviction lawsuit is filed. "Fourteen days gives tenants more time to get another paycheck, borrow money from family, or access rental assistance available in their community," Rouse said, arguing longer notice could help avoid costly eviction cases.

Supporters who testified included Jared Calvi of ARP Virginia, Jeff Caruso of the Virginia Catholic Conference, Christy Merritt speaking for the Virginia Poverty Law Center and the Virginia Housing Alliance, and Brent McKenzie with the city of Virginia Beach. They said the change would reduce evictions and related debt and align with the governor’s housing-protection priorities.

Opponents included representatives of the Realtors and multiple apartment-owner associations. Erin Corman of the Realtors told the subcommittee the trade group "opposed the bill for the same reasons as last year," reiterating concerns expressed previously. Senator French said she feared landlords would raise rents to offset the longer notice period, noting landlords may "build it in the front end" to cover the risk of delayed payments.

After brief questions and answers, an unnamed member moved to recommend reporting SB48. The committee voted to recommend reporting, 3–2. The recommendation sends the bill to the next committee or floor consideration, per the General Assembly process.