The Virginia Rent Relief Program (RRP) was created to support housing stability throughout the commonwealth during the COVID pandemic. Eligible households can receive financial assistance to pay past due rent dating back to April 1, 2020 and for future rent depending on the availability of funds.

How to Qualify


There are two ways to apply:
1. Tenants can start the application process through the RRP Support Center.
2. Landlords can start the application process through Virginia Housing.

Chesterfield and Fairfax Counties are administering their own programs.

Chesterfield County
Chesterfield County residents who have been impacted by Covid-19 have two ways of applying for rent assistance through current federal funding:
Call ACTS at 804-644-2401. Press 2 and leave a message. (Spanish speaking residents press 5). Calls will be returned in the order in which they are received.
Complete online application at: http://actsrva.org/chesterfield-cera-application/

Chesterfield County landlords can apply on behalf of their tenants by sending completed applications with all the required documentation attached to chesterfieldlandlord@actsrva.org.
Landlords may find information with instructions at: http://actsrva.org/chesterfield-landlord-information.

Fairfax County
Fairfax County residents looking for rent assistance:
Call Fairfax County’s Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880, TTY 711 (Monday through Friday 8AM to 4:30PM)
Website: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/coordinated-services-planning

Fairfax County landlords looking for rental assistance for their tenants:
The Fairfax County Landlord Portal can be found on their Eviction Prevention website: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health-humanservices/eviction-prevention
Telephone: 703-324-5580
Email: NCSEvictionSupport@fairfaxcounty.gov

The following are Tenant’s Frequently Asked Questions:

Eligibility
I am in the middle of an eviction. What can I do?
You should go ahead and apply for assistance and let your landlord know you are in the process of getting rent assistance. It’s important to let RRP know you are currently facing eviction when you apply. You may also need legal help. You can get that here for free.

How do I know whether or not I’m eligible?
RRP has developed an online screening tool to help determine eligibility for assistance. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use this tool.

I live in student housing. Am I eligible?
Yes, as long as there is a lease agreement between the student and the landlord. You can have a cosigner and still be eligible.

I live with roommates. Am I eligible?
Yes. If you are living with several roommates and are the only roommate needing assistance, you can apply for your portion of the rent only. In this case, the only income listed on the application form should be yours.

I still owe rent where I used to live. Will RRP pay it for me?
No. Applicants can only receive rent assistance for their current housing.

If a tenant is approved for assistance, but moves before the payment is received, can the landlord keep the money?
If the tenant moves out voluntarily, the landlord must complete the Property Owner Certification of Voluntary Tenant Vacancy form. The landlord can keep past due rent owed while the tenant was in residence and a prorated portion for the month in which the tenant moved.

Are tenants who live in subsidized housing eligible?
Yes, but the program will only pay for the renter’s portion of the rent.

Are people living in motels/hotels eligible?
Yes, as long as they have been living there for 30 days or longer. A proprietor’s statement can be used in lieu of a lease.

Are people living in mobile home parks eligible?
Yes, they are eligible for assistance for the home they rent and/or the lot the home sits on.

I have a rent-to-own agreement. Am I eligible?
Yes.

How does RRP determine income?
The program uses the household’s current gross monthly income to determine income eligibility. Documentation for all adult household members is required including payments made to adults on behalf of children in the household.

Income documentation includes: pay stubs, unemployment benefits, SSI and SSDI.

If you don’t have any income, you must fill out a Zero Income Certification.

If you get paid in cash and don’t have a bank account, you must fill out a Cash Income Certification form.

What are the eligibility requirements?
1. Your household income cannot exceed 80% of the area median.
2. You must have experienced a decrease in income or an increase in cost due to the COVID pandemic.
3. Your monthly rent must not exceed 150% of Fair Market Rent.

Do some applicants get priority?
Yes. Households with incomes at or below 50% of the area median, households with one or more members who have been unemployed for 90 days or longer, and households currently facing eviction receive priority.