Bill requiring back-rent payment plans passes Virginia Senate

A substitute version of a Virginia House bill that would require landlords to provide payment plans for renters behind on rent before they can evict a tenant passed the Senate on Thursday night.

The restrictions in House Bill 5064 would apply to landlords who own more than four dwelling units or more than a 10 percent interest in at least four dwelling units. It would require them to set up a payment plan that extends over a six-month period or until the end of the rental agreements, whichever time period is less. Tenants and landlord still can apply for state rent relief programs while on the payment plan.