Subcommittee advances bill allowing localities to sue landlords on tenants' behalf

Delegate Price presented House Bill 14 as a tool for local governments to use when confronting landlords whose properties and practices create unsafe or substandard conditions. The bill would permit a locality to sue on behalf of a tenant to enforce housing code or remedies, and sponsor framed the measure as a complement to public education about renters’ rights and pathways for removing persistent slumlords from the rental market.

Supporters said many tenants—especially vulnerable households—do not know their rights or cannot navigate legal options. Witnesses from advocacy groups and grassroots organizations described past cases where condemned or unsafe properties persisted and said local enforcement tools are necessary to compel remediation.

The subcommittee moved to report HB14; supporters included ARP Virginia, Progress Virginia and the Virginia Poverty Law Center. The bill was reported by a roll call vote of 8 to 2.