Resources

Places that answer the phone.

We are not a law firm. These are the organizations and official sources we would send our own family to, listed with the date we last checked them.

Free legal help

Central Virginia Legal Aid SocietyFree civil legal help for eligible residents of Richmond and central Virginia, including housing cases.
Legal Aid Justice CenterHousing and tenant advocacy, including work on unsafe conditions and displacement.
Virginia Poverty Law CenterStatewide housing law resources and advocacy for low-income Virginians.
Virginia DHCD; landlord and tenant resourcesThe state agency publishes the official Virginia tenant rights and responsibilities statement.
Virginia Office of the Attorney GeneralOfficial consumer protection guidance on landlord and tenant issues in Virginia.

Inspections & code enforcement

Richmond Department of Planning & Development ReviewCity code enforcement and the residential rental inspection program. Ask for an inspection of unsafe conditions.

Fair housing

HUD Fair HousingFederal fair housing information and the online discrimination complaint form. Filing deadlines are short.

Courts

Virginia's Judicial System; court informationFind your General District Court, its address, and self-help information about hearings.

Emergency & crisis

Virginia 211Dial 211 for local help with utilities, housing and emergency assistance.

Utilities

Virginia State Corporation Commission; utility complaintsRegulates utilities in Virginia and accepts certain service complaints.

Housing counseling

Virginia HousingHousing counseling and renter resources, including help for voucher holders.

Official sources we build on

Va. Code § 55.1-1236
Virginia Legislative Information System · review pending · Retrieved 2026-11-01. Written notice is effective 28 days after service. Landlord may not charge liquidated damages. Rent is payable through the effective date. Co-tenants remain responsible for the balance of the term. The criminal route covers the lease in effect when the conviction order is entered and one subsequent rental agreement based on the same conviction. Awaiting attorney review before automated eligibility determinations.
Va. Code § 55.1-1200
Virginia's Legislative Information System · review pending · Definitions section of the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Also defines "notice" as written notice by regular mail or hand delivery with proof of service retained.
Va. Code § 55.1-1244
Virginia's Legislative Information System · review pending · Two versions are published: one effective until January 1, 2027, and one effective January 1, 2027. Rent escrow requires paying rent into court and prior written notice to the landlord.
Virginia DHCD. Landlord and Tenant Resources
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development · review pending · The statement is updated periodically; the July 1, 2026 version is the one referenced by this pilot.
Virginia Attorney General; landlord and tenant overview
Office of the Virginia Attorney General · review pending
Richmond Ordinance 2025-161
City of Richmond. Legistar · review pending · Creating the inspection program is a separate step from designating a particular inspection district. Confirm with the city whether a district has actually been designated for a given address.
42 U.S.C. § 3604
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development · review pending · Administrative complaints to HUD and federal court claims run on different clocks; confirm the deadline immediately.