affordable rental housing - Housing Opportunities Made Equal of

Transcription

A Comprehensive Guide to
AFFORDABLE
RENTAL
HOUSING
In Metro Richmond and South Central Virginia
www.HOMEofVA.org
Facebook.com/HOMEofVA
Twitter: @HOMEofVA
© HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES MADE EQUAL OF VIRGINIA, INC.
LAST UPDATE JANUARY 2012
HOME is a private, nonprofit organization that provides a complete range of housing counseling
services, community programs in fair housing and assistance to victims of housing discrimination.
HOME seeks to ensure access to housing for all people.
HOME’S SERVICES INCLUDE:
Superior Tenant Classes to learn about
your rights and responsibilities (call for
locations and times).
Credit recovery and money
management classes.
Help with information about
predatory loans.
Help in avoiding foreclosure.
Help in purchasing a home.
Down payment assistance for first-time
home buyers.
Information about low-cost financing
and special programs.
Investigation of fair housing complaints
Action to combat discrimination.
HOME is certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for all
forms of housing counseling; its programs are certified in the Commonwealth of
Virginia under the Neighborhood Assistance Act.
This booklet is published with the financial assistance of the City of Richmond’s
Department of the Community Development and HOME. The author and publisher
are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations
contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the view
of the government.
IF YOU NEED HELP WITH A LANDLORD DISPUTE, PLEASE CALL DEPARTMENT
OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS AT 804.786.2042. IF YOU FEEL YOU HAVE A CASE OF
DISCRIMINATION, PLEASE CALL HOME AT 804.354.0641. HOME CANNOT
HELP YOU FIND AN APARTMENT OR HELP YOU SECURE FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE. PLEASE READ THIS BOOK FOR ANSWERS TO MANY OF YOUR
QUESTIONS OR CALL UNITED WAY FOR THIS HELP AT 1.800.230.6977.
HOME offers a group seminar called: “Superior
Tenant Training” which provides information
on searching for housing and other aspects of
renting. These classes are free. Please call for
locations and times.
HOME HAS NOT INSPECTED THE PROPERTIES IN THIS BOOK AND
CANNOT GUARANTEE THEIR CONDITION.
LISTING IN THIS BOOK ALSO DOES NOT IMPLY ANY GUARANTEE BY
HOME THAT THE MANAGEMENT IS ABIDING BY ANY LAWS
APPLICABLE TO HOUSING.
© 2012 HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
MADE EQUAL OF VIRGINIA, INC.
626 East Broad Street, Suite 400
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804.354.0641 Fax: 804.354.0690
VA relay 711
www.HOMEofVA.org
CURRENT APARTMENT VACANCIES AND UP-TO-THE-MINUTE PRICE
INFORMATION ARE NOT FOUND IN THE GUIDE. PRICES MAY HAVE
CHANGED BY THE TIME YOU SEE THIS GUIDE.
APARTMENTS ARE LISTED AS ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITES BASED ON THE LANDLORD’S STATEMENT. HOME HAS
NOT INSPECTED THESE APARTMENTS TO DETERMINE THE DEGREE OF
ACCESSIBILITY.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1: GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED HOUSING
Explains the government-assisted housing programs and lists apartment complexes where the rent is based on income.
PUBLIC HOUSING
Richmond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Petersburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Hopewell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER (SECTION 8)
RICHMOND AREA
Richmond City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Hanover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Henrico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
TRICITIES
Petersburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Colonial Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Hopewell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SOUTH CENTRAL
Emporia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Farmville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
South Boston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
PART 2: AFFORDABLE COMPLEXES
Lists apartments in which rent is not based on income and to which anyone may apply. Some may participate in housing
assistance programs.
RICHMOND AREA
Richmond City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chesterfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hanover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Henrico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
16
17
17
TRICITIES
Petersburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SOUTH CENTRAL
Emporia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Farmville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
PART 3: RENTAL FIRMS AND MANAGEMENT
Lists landlords and realty companies in the area that rent different types of properties (houses, duplexes, apartment buildings, and
rooms). Information about location, property descriptions, and rental requirements is included. Some of the companies in this
section will work with people with credit problems. These companies do not offer Section 8 housing.
RENTAL FIRMS/ MANAGEMENT COMPANIES
Richmond Metro Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tricities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
South Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LANDLORDS WHO MAY WORK WITH PEOPLE WITH CREDIT PROBLEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 4: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
UTILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FAIR HOUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TIPS FOR TENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TIPS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CREDIT AND BUDGETING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
APARTMENT CHECKLIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LEAD PAINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RULES OF RENTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EMERGENCY HOUSING AND LEGAL HELP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ENERGY EFFICIENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
21
21
22
23
23
24
25
29
32
35
38
39
40
40
2
PART 1: Government Subsidized Housing
GOVERNMENT
SUBSIDIZED HOUSING
The apartment complexes in Part 1 have
government-assisted housing programs for
people whose income makes it hard for them
to find affordable housing. The rent in these
complexes is based on your income. You will
be charged approximately 30 percent of your
adjusted gross monthly income for rent. For
instance, if your adjusted gross monthly
income is $350.00, you would pay $105.00 for
rent. Some programs have a utility allowance.
Each government assisted housing complex
has its own standards of eligibility, which will
take into account your income, your family
size, your credit record, and your rental
history. Most complexes also do criminal
history checks. Some complexes use a
“preference system” to determine who gets in
first. Ask the complex where you are applying
how you might qualify as a preference. The
funding for assisted housing programs comes
from the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (“HUD”). HUD may
change the regulations concerning these
programs at any time.
NOTE: There is another type of Section 8 program
that is not related to the complexes in PART 1. This is
the SECTION 8 Existing program, in which you apply
for a HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER at Richmond
Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RHA)
(804.780.4908) or Chesterfield Housing Services
(804.717.6832). With the voucher, you find your own
apartment and ask the landlord if he or she will
accept it. The voucher will state the maximum
number of bedrooms and the maximum amount of
rent you may spend for a house or an apartment; you
may go over that amount and spend your own
money if you want to. If the owner agrees to rent to
you under the Section 8 program, you must have
your lease approved by the Housing Authority before
you sign it. The Housing Authority will also do an
inspection of the property. The Section 8 Existing
program frequently closes down and may not be
taking applications. Call the Richmond RHA or
Chesterfield Housing Services to find out when you
will be able to apply for a voucher.
Three different types of assisted housing programs are found in
this guide: They are PUBLIC HOUSING, SECTION 8, and RAP. In
all of these programs, your rent is based on your monthly
income.
PUBLIC HOUSING
Public housing is the most widely known form of government-assisted housing. It
was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income
families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Richmond Redevelopment and
Housing Authority manages the public housing program, which is available only in
the City of Richmond and not in the surrounding counties. In public housing, there is
currently a minimum rent of $50.00, even if 30 percent of your gross income is less
than that.
To apply for public housing, contact the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing
Authority at 804.780.4908, TDD 804.255.0538, or visit RRHA at 918 Chamberlayne
Parkway.
SECTION 8
Section 8 is a government assisted housing program of apartment complexes that
were built or renovated under the Section 8 program. To apply for a Section 8
complex, you must visit the apartment complex in person. Many complexes have
waiting lists and may take applications only during certain months of the year. It is a
good idea to call the complex on the phone to get the correct information about
application procedures before visiting. The Section 8 complexes are managed by
private management companies and are not necessarily related to each other or to
the Housing Authority. If you are accepted by a Section 8 complex, your rent will be
no more than 30 percent of your income because deductions may be made for the
cost of utilities and child care expenses. Medical expenses will also be considered for
elderly and disabled participants. If the deductions add up to more than 30 percent
of your income, you may not have to pay rent.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS (RAP)
The RAP program is another source of assistance for low-income families. Like
Section 8, if you qualify, your rent will be 30 percent of your gross income, minus a
utility allowance. There are certain apartment complexes that participate in this
program. To apply, you should visit the apartments listed in this guide as RAP
participants.
3
x x x x x x 2 blocks
1
2
3
4
5
x x x x x x 1 block
1
2
3
4
x x x x x x 1 block
playground, recreation
cCenter
yes
1
2
3
4
playground
yes
2506 Phaup Street
(804)-780-4910
RRHA
1611 Fourth Avenue
1
x x x x x x 1 block
elderly only
yes
2
3
4
5
Disability
Access
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
1
Special
Features
Bedroom
Distance to
Bus Stop
PART 1: Public Housing
RICHMOND CITY CENTRAL
700 S. Lombardy
700 S. Lombardy Avenue
(804)-780-4375
RRHA
Gilpin Court
1000 St. John Street
(804)-780-4756
RRHA
elderly and disabled only, yes
laundry on-site
yes
RICHMOND CITY EAST
Creighton Court
2101 Creighton Road
(804)-780-4873
RRHA
Fairfield Court
1611 Fourth Avenue
(804)-780-4791
RRHA
Fulton
1221 Admiral Gravely Boulevard
(804)-780-4804
RRHA
Mosby Court
1543 Coalter Street
(804)-780-4901
RRHA
Whitcomb Court
2302 Carmine Street
(804)-780-4889
RRHA
e 1 x
23
45
x x x x x 1 block
yes
playground
yes
1
2
3
4
x x x x x x 1 block
yes
e
1
x x x x x x 1 block
laundry on-site
RICHMOND CITY NORTH
Frederic A. Fay Towers
1202 North First Street
(804)-780-4806
RRHA
4
x x x x x x 1 block
laundry onsite
1
x x x x x x 1 block
laundry onsite
1
2
3
4
5
1
x x
recreation center,
playground
yes
x x x x x x 1 block
laundry onsite, elderly
and disabled only
yes
1
2
3
4
x x x x x x
playground
yes
e
1
2
x x x x x x
elderly and disabled only yes
Disability
Access
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
1
Special
Features
Bedroom
Distance to
Bus Stop
RICHMOND CITY souTH
1200 Decatur
1200 Decatur Street
(804)-780-8814
RRHA
1920 Stonewall
1902 Stonewall Avenue
(804)-780-8810
RRHA
Hillside Court
1500 Harwood Street
(804)-780-8800
RRHA
Melvin C. Fox Manor
x
x 1 block
18 W 27th Street
(804)-780-8816
RRHA
PETERSBURG
Pecan Acres
433 Pecan Street
(804)-733-2230
PRHA
Sycamore Towers
128 S Sycamore Street
(804)-733-2248
PRHA
North Valor
2
playground, laundry
yes
playground, laundry
yes
433 Pecan Street
(804)-733-2230
PRHA
Pin Oaks Estate
433 Pecan Street
(804)-733-2240
PRHA
Washington Collums
633 W Washington Street
(804)-732-6300
PRHA
1
2
3
4
1
2
x x x x x x
5
Distance to
Bus Stop
Special
Features
1
x x x x x
1 block
1
2
3
4
x x x x x x
playground, laundry
yes
e
1
x x x x x x
playground, laundry
yes
1
2
3
4
x x x x x x
playground, laundry
yes
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
x x x x x x
playground, laundry
yes
x x x x x x
playground, laundry
yes
Disability
Access
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
Gilhaven Manor
Bedroom
500 Farmer Street
(804)-733-2255
PRHA
HOPEWELL
Davisville and Bland
239 S. 8th Avenue
(804)-458-5160
HRHA
Kippax
100 S. Kippax Street
(804)-541-0311
HRHA
Piper Square
1529 Piper Square Drive
(804)-541-0392
HRHA
Langston Park
239 S. 8th Avenue
(804)-458-5160
HRHA
Thomas Rolfe Court
239 S. 8th Ave
(804)-458-5160
HRHA
6
Special
Features
Disability
Access
Distance to
Bus Stop
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
Rent
Bedroom
PART 1: Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
elderly (62+)
yes
Dominion Place
1
1025 W. Grace Street
(804) 355-9114
Beacon Residential Management
Shockoe Hill
210 Hospital Street
(804) 343-1115
Main Street Realty
Shockoe Hill II & III
206 Hospital Street, 210 Hospital Street
(804) 343-1115
Main Street Realty
Virginia Rentals
1311 Wallace Street
(804) 358-5809
Virginia Rentals
Section 8
(30% of
income)
x x x x x x 1 block
e, Section 8 and
1 236
x x x x 1 block
elderly, disabled only
yes
e
x x
1 block
elderly (55+), disabled
only
yes
1 block
fenced in property
some
1,2 Section 8 and x x x x x x across
236
street
only
yes
e, Section 8 and x x x x x x 1 block
1 236
yes
1,2 Section 8
,3
x x x
on site
laundry on site
yes
e, Section 8 and
x x
1 block
yes
1 block
washer/dryer, direct tv,
wireless internet, alarm
system, microwave
No
Section 8 and
236
1,2 Section 8 and varies (some
,3,
sewer/water/
4
trash)
RICHMOND CITY EAST
Bowler Retirement Community
608 North 26th Street
(804) 644-5607
Main Street Realty
Church Hill House
2400 Burton Street
(804) 344-3260
Winn Management
Fairhills Apartments
1329 Coalter Street
(804) 643-3959
Genesis
Fairmont House
1501 N. 21st Street
(804) 783-0122
Winn Management
Jefferson Townhouses
1901 K Venable Street
(804) 643-1131
Genesis
1,2 Section 8 and
,3, 236
4
7
pool, laundry, playground some
1,2 Section 8 and
,3, tax credit
4
x x x
on site
laundry facility,
playground
yes
only
yes
1, Section 8 and x x x x x x 1 block
2 Tax Credit
only
yes
1
Section 202
x x x
1 block
elderly (62+), 18+ if
disabled Only
yes
2
3
HUD
x x x
1 block
laundry, playground,
basketball
yes,
some
1
2
income based x x x x x x 1 block
only
yes
yes
Disability
Access
Special
Features
3 blocks
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
x x x
Rent
2, RAP
3 Section 236
Bedroom
Distance to
Bus Stop
RICHMOND CITY NORTH
Newman Village
4053 Old Brook Road
(804) 329-7432
F&W Management
RICHMOND CITY SOUTH
Blue Ridge Estates
6507 Maple Sugar Drive
(804) 276-7950
Beacon Residential Management
Charleviox
5600 Charlevoix Court
(804) 232-1207
Amurcon Realty
Charnwood Forrest
4325 Crutchfield Street
(804) 232-3130
Amurcon Realty
Chesterfield Square
1,2 RAP
Section 236
1017 Hioaks Road
(804) 320-6795
Drucker and Falk
Midlothian Village
4000 Midlothian Turnpike
(804) 231-0291
Hercules Management
The Renaissance
1021 German School Road
(804) 320-8898
Amurcon Realty
Ruffin Road Apartments
2219 Ruffin Road
(804) 233-6182
Edgewood Management
Sts. Cosma & Damianos
1030 German School Road
(804) 330-4962
Amurcon Realty
1,2 Section 8
,3
x x x
on site
laundry, playground
e
1
x x x
1 block
elderly (62+), or mobility yes
impaired only
Section 8
8
Woodland Crossings
2, Section 8
3
3465 Walmsley Boulevard
(804) 271-0002
The Shelter Group
Disability
Access
apt
Special
Features
1, 2 Section 8
Distance to
Bus Stop
Town & Country
1402 Barriedale Road
(804) 276-1899
Quest Management Group
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
Rent
Bedroom
va
3 blocks
playground, pool
yes
x x
1 block
basketball court,
playground
no
1 block
eldery (62+), disabled
only
yes
must be 62+
yes
only
yes
2, 3
th
RICHMOND CITY
1
Section 8
x x x
Christian Village of Central Virginia.
A Non-Denominational Housing Facility
1
Section 8
x x
Harbor Square
1, Section 8
2
x x
2, Section 8
3,
4
x x x
1 block
hot water
yes
2, Section 8
3
x x
1 block
playground, laundry
rooms
yes
1, Section 8
2,
3
x x x
1 block
playground
yes
x x x x x x 1 block
playground
yes
Randolph Place
300 S. Randolph Place
(804) 353-1809
Better Housing Coalition
HANOVER COUNTY
7105 Brooks Farm Road
(804) 730-5625
Community Management
7102 New Hunter Road
(804) 730-1284
American Apartment Management
HENRICO COUNTY EAST
Country Place
111 Starbuck Court
(804) 737-7830
Amurcon Realty
Coverntry Gardens
201 Newbridge Circle
(804) 737-7391
Morton G. Thalhimer
Essex Village
3901 Pilots Lane
(804) 329-5820
American Rental Management Co.
Henrico Arms
1664 Henrico Arms Place
(804) 222-0542
Housing Management Resources
1, Section 8
2,
3
9
1, Section 8
2,
3
x x x
Disability
Access
x x x
Special
Features
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
1,2 Section 8
,3
th
Distance to
Bus Stop
Williamsburg Villiage
1634 A Thalia Crescent
(804) 222-8610
OFPI
Rent
Bedroom
1 block
laundry
no
HENRICO COUNTY WEST/NORTH
Aspen Station
1500 Forest Run Drive
(804) 266-7627
Bell Partners Inc
Beth Sholom Woods
1
Section 8
playground, pool, tennis, 11
basketball
units
x x x x x x
62 + and mobility
yes
impaired only, laundry,
rehab clinic, generator,
meal plan, transportation
2027 Lauderdale Drive
(804) 741-4691
Beth Sholom Home
Hope Village
1605 Hope Road, Suite E
(804) 264-5934
CT Management
Marywood
1, Section 8
2,
3
1
Section 8
x x x
playground, community
center, central air
x
elderly (62+), or mobility yes
impaired only
1261 Marywood Lane
(804) 740-5567
Coordinated Services
Place One
1 unit
1, Section 8
x x x
2-4 blocks playground
e, Section 8
1
x x x
1 block
some
4222 Almora Avenue
(804) 266-5511
Hediger Incorp.
PETERSBURG
Brighton Manor Apartments
36 North Union Street
(804) 862-9924
Excel Property Management
Carriage House Apartments
135 West Old Street
(804) 733-6225
AIMCO
LaFayette House
214 S. Sycamore Street
(804) 862-1450
Wheatstone Management
1, Section 8
2
1, Section 8
2
x x x x x x on site
x x x
1 block
62+ and/or handicapped, yes
laundry
elderly 55+, disabled
yes
62+ and handicapped
yes
10
Distance to
Bus Stop
Special
Features
Disability
Access
2 blocks
family
yes
x x x
playground, basketball,
YMCA on site
yes
x x x
playground, laundry
yes
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
Rent
Bedroom
2, Section 8
3
x x x
1, Section 8
2,
3
Hopewell Heights
1, 2
4105 Old Iron Court
(804) 458-1961
National Development Corporation
2- 4
th
Landmark Apartments
450 Van Buren Drive
(804) 861-5012
Newport Management
COLONIAL HEIGHTS
Colonial Ridge Apartments
15101 C Lorimer Road
(804) 526-0053
Drucker and Falk
HOPEWELL
Section 8
mid
EMPORIA
Brook Ridge Apartments
2,3 Section 8
playground, laundry, walk- yes
in closets, private patios,
cable
1325 Skippers Road
(434) 348-7700
Whitley Heatwhole
Trinity Woods Apartments
1
Section 8
x
x x
x
must be 62+
yes
laundry, playground
yes
basketball
yes
200 2nd Street
(434) 348-9354
Richard Bretfort
FARMVILLE
Park View Gardens
204 Parkview Drive
(434) 392-3189
VIP Management Inc
1, Section 8
2,
3
x+
1, Section 8
2,
3
x x x
1,2 Section 8
x
1 block
SOUTH BOSTON
Country Green Apartments
1000 E. Bishop Drive
(434) 575-0230
TM Associates
Rose Hill Apartments
111 Rosehill Drive
(434) 572-8811
Laundura Properties
elderly, disabled, laundry some
on site
11
Accept
Section 8
Vouchers
Special
Features
Disability
Access
yes
central air, laundry
yes
no
historic building,
central air, cable
included
yes
1 block
yes
central air, $100
unlimited wireless
Internet
no
x x
1 block
no
$100 unlimited
wireless Internet
no
x x x
1 block
yes
parking, central air,
renovated, exercise
room
some
some
apartments or houses; some
some fireplaces and 1st
balconies
floor
1
2
$583
$655
1
$690
e
$550
x x x
1
$640
e
1
2
$525-$555
$625-$785
$805-$1070
1
2
3
4
1-$750
4-$1800$2000
$555
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
Rent
1 block
Bedroom
Distance to
Bus Stop
PART 2: Affordable Complexes
Affordable Historic HSG of Richmond
(St. Andrews)
x x
Cumberland and Linden
(804) 354-9455
Better Housing Coalition (BHC)
Exchange Alley
x x x x x x
10 S. 14th Street
(804) 861-8844
Central Virginia Properties
The Mayflower
1206 W. Franklin Street
(804) 225-8655
Metro Properties
The Merlin
1207 W. Franklin Street
(804) 225-8655
Metro Properties
Richmond Dairy Apartments
201 West Marshall Street
(804) 788-8888
Colony Management Corp.
Virginia Rentals
1311 Wallace Street
(804) 358-5809
Virginia Rentals
varies
(some 1 block
units
sewer/water/trash)
RICHMOND CITY EAST
Bradford Manor
2
21st St. & Fairfield Avenue
(804) 343-9700
Artcraft Management
TH
Fairhills
1
2
3
1329 Coalter Street
(804) 643-3959
William Residential
George Mason Square
1402 Jennie Scher Road
(804) 222-8776
F&W Management
30% income
x
(income
based) $500-
x x x
1 block
yes
laundry, central air,
townhouse style
yes
x x x x
1 block
yes
playground, laundry, yes
neighborhood central
learning center
x 1 block
yes
laundry facilities
$600
1
2
3
4
1-$455-581
4-$613-$757
yes
12
Disability
Access
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
x x x
Special
Features
$566
$655
$740
SFH-$851
Accept
Section 8
Vouchers
1
2
3
TH
2
3
Distance to
Bus Stop
Jefferson Mews
Jefferson Avenue
(804) 222-4395
Rent
Bedroom
1 block
yes
central air
some
some
washer/dryer, direct TV, no
wireless Internet, alarm
system, microwave
SFH
Jefferson Townhouses
1901 K Venable Street
(804) 643-1131
Genesis
Spring Hill Apartments
26th and 27th Street
804-222-4395
Townsend Square Apartments
1
2
3
4
$579
$649
$759
$854
1
2
3
$567
$655
$750
2
$575-615
2
x x x
1 block
yes
washers and dryers,
central air
no
x
1 block
yes
central air
yes
$619
x x x
1 block
no
pool, laundry, facility, yes
animal friendly
2
Starts at
$510
x x x
1 block
no
newly renovated,
yes
central air, laundry, 24hour patrol
1
2
$550-$575
$650-$690
x x x
1 block
yes
laundry, central air
no
1
2
3
4
$480
$600
$751
$726-1150
x x x
1 block
yes
onsite laundry,
playground,
community center,
income based
some
2
3
$450-600
x x x
yes
pool, laundry,
playground
yes
21st and Cool Streets
(804) 343-9700
Artcraft Management
Wynwood Apartments
1267 Nelson Street #A
(804) 307-6963
Great Richmond Rentals
RICHMOND CITY NORTH
Brookfield Gardens
1603 Roane Street
(804) 321-0175
Drucker & Falk
Chamberlayne Gardens
4307 Chamberlayne Ave. #2
(804) 266-3922
Bellkor
Lincoln Manor Townhomes (Lincoln Mews)
4101 North Ave. #2
(804) 321-6225
Newman Village
4052 Old Brook Road
(804) 329-7432
F&W Management
13
Distance to
Bus Stop
Accept
Section 8
Vouchers
Special
Features
Disability
Access
x x x
1 block
yes
central air, laundry
facilites
yes
$570-620
$655-730
x x x
1 block
no
central air,
playground,
wwimming pool
no
2
$680
x x x
1 block
yes
laundry
no
1
2
$570-620
$655-730
x x x
1 block
no
central air,
playground,
swimming pool
no
2 $555
TH
x x x
1 block
yes
central air
no
1 $600
2 $660
3 $760
TH
x x x
1 block
no
1
2
$570-620
$655-730
x x x
1 block
no
carpet, patio,
no
playground, pool,
basketball courts, five
laundry facilites on
site
central air,
no
playground,
swimming pool
1
2
$540-$545
$615-$625
x x x
1 block
yes
central air
yes
1
2
$540-$545
$615-$625
x x x
1 block
yes
central air
yes
e
2
$500
$630-570
x x x
1 block
no
central air,
playground, carpet,
laundry, car wash
no
Rent
x
Bedroom
The Colonies at Ginter Park
3207 Chamberlayne Avenue
(804) 228-0016
Edgewood
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
1
2
3
S
$480-$500
$575-610
$700
Studio-$430
1
2
RICHMOND CITY SOUTH
Autumn Court
4600 Southwood Parkway
(804) 230-4585
McKinley
Brook Run Townhomes
3124 Snead Court
(804) 232-5023
Main Street Realtors
Cedar Point
1605 Treehaven Drive
(804) 230-4585
McKinley
Chicago Manor
1711 Chicago Avenue
(804) 233-5331
Artcraft Management
Chippenham Townhomes
7523 Ander Court
(804) 320-0686
Colony Management Corp.
The Communites at South Wood
4602 Southwood Parkway B
(804) 230-4585
SouthWood
Dunston Manor East
205 W. Roanoke Street
(804) 233-5331
Artcraft Management
Dunston Manor West
310 W. Roanoke Street
(804) 233-5331
Artcraft Management
Forest Ridge Apartments
2665 Granite Hill Circle
(804) 320-3111
Colony Management Company
14
Rent
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
Distance to
Bus Stop
Accept
Section 8
Vouchers
Special
Features
Disability
Access
Jefferson Terrace
Bedroom
2
$600
x x x x x
1 block
yes
central air
no
1
2
3
$575
$630
$775
x x x
1 block
no
playground,
washer/dryer
some
1
$565
x x x
1 block
no
central air,
dishwasher, laundry
room on site
some
1
2
$570-620
$655-730
x x x
1 block
no
central air,
playground,
wwimming pool
no
2
3
Starts at
$659
x x x
1 block
yes
tennis, pool
yes
1
2
3
$540-$580
$625-$659
$779
yes
laundry facilities,
tennis courts
yes
1
2
3
$503
$587
$722
1
2
3
2908 Jeff Davis Highway
(804) 649-9154
Robinson-Harris Company
Jefferson-Trace
2506 Atwell Drive
(804) 231-9368
Drucker &Falk
Kingswood Apartments
6426 Elkhardt Road
(804) 276-6058
Jordon Properties
Maple Grove
1700 Clarkson Road
(804) 230-4585
McKinley
Morningside Apartments
1414 Newell Street
(804) 327-9151
SL Nusbaum
Regency Lake Apartments
3501 Meadowdale Boulevard
(804) 743-0855
Miles Property
Ruffin Road Apartments
2219 Ruffin Road
(804) 233-6182
Edgewood Management
South Gate
801 Holly Springs Avenue
(804) 230-4004
Genesis
Swansboro Apartments
801-B East 36th Street
(804) 230-4004
Genesis
Town & Country
1402 Barriedale Road
(804) 276-1899
Quest Management
x
x x
x x x
on site
yes
laundry, playground
yes
$550
$530-$625
$775
x
1 block
yes
central air
yes
1
2
3
$550
$530-$625
$775
x
1 block
yes
central air
yes
1
2
$550
$630
2TH- $720
3TH- $800
x x x
no
playground, pool
yes
APT
2
3
TH
15
1
2
Disability
Access
$550
$530-$625
$775
Special
Features
1
2
3
x
Accept
Section 8
Vouchers
$558
Distance to
Bus Stop
Rent
2
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
Bedroom
1 block
yes (must central air,
some
dishwasher,
playground, patio
($45 flat rate gas fee)
x
1 block
yes
playground, central
air, laundry on-site,
security
yes
$570-620
$655-730
x x x
1 block
no
central air,
playground,
swimming pool
no
1
2
3
$583
$655
$867
x x x
1 block
yes
washer/dryer, airconditioned
yes
1
$465
x
1 block
no
no
Columns on Grove
TH +
$583-867
x x x
1 block
yes
elderly (55+), laundry no
1621 Grove Avenue
(804) 354-9455
APT
William Byrd Apartments
1
$700-$795
x x x x x x 1 block
yes
55+, laundry on site
yes
1
2
$515
$699-755
x x x
1 mile
no
laundry next to
complex
no
2
3
$830-940
x x x
3 miles
yes
central air,
yes
dishwasher,
washer/dryer, fenced
in backyard
Timber Creek Apartments
2200 Chateau Drive
(804) 276-7973
Babcock & Brown
Village South
801 Holly Springs Avenue
(804) 230-4004
Genesis
Walnut Park
1400 Clarkson Road
(804) 230-4585
Mckinley
RICHMOND CITY WEST
Cary 2000
2106 West Cary
(804) 354-9455
Cambridge Apartments
x
9016 Patterson Avenue
(804) 648-9015
W.C. Hutchinson
1
2
2501 West Broad Street
(804) 359-5200
Epic Properties Inc
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY
Falling Creek Apartments
2530 Marina Drive
(804) 275-8668
Great Atlantic
Winchester Green
7701 Cherry Hill Park Avenue
(804) 743-7030
16
Special
Features
Disability
Access
fitness center, pool,
playgrounds
yes
$415-$615
$454-$654
x x x
yes
playground, laundry,
rural development
Yes 2
units
1
2
$484
$572
x x x
yes
playground
yes
1
2
3
$680
$745
$850
x
x
no bus
yes
playground, pool,
yes
washer/dryer in unit,
fitness center, animal
friendly
1
2
3
$550
$620
$740
x x x
1 block
yes
water play area,
no /
doctor/dentist office on some
property, clubhouse, pet
friendly
1
2
3
$450-$520
$599+
$709-$719
x x x
1 block
yes
dishwater in select units, yes
animal friendly (rent is
more of units with
utilities included)
2
$689-714
x
no
renovated 1 & 1/2
baths, ceiling fans,
over 1000 sq feet
no
1
2
3
$599
$649
$749
x
3 blocks
no
pool, playground,
laundry
no
2
$547
upstairs
$557
downstairs
1 block
yes
washer/dryer, pest
control, playground
some
2
3
$850
$950
1
2
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
yes
Rent
x
Bedroom
Accept
Section 8
Vouchers
Distance to
Bus Stop
Chickahominy Bluff Apartments
7800 Sporting Lane
(804) 559-3300
Grady Management
Hanover Apartments
205 N. Cottage Green Drive
(804) 798-4031
GEM Management
Laurel Woods
211 Cottage Green Drive
(804) 798-7368
TM Associates
The Pines at Cold Harbor
7202 Garden Park Lane
(804) 730-9010
Habitat America
partial
HANOVER COUNTY
HENRICO COUNTY EAST
Andover Place
2836-D Fairfield Avenue
(804) 222-8282
Graystone
Glenwood Farms
3753 Bolling Road
(804) 643-8954
Drucker and Falk LLC
The Highlands Townhouses
241 E. Jerald Street
(804) 737-2621
Fidelity Realty
Highland Woods
583 E. Beal Street
(804) 737-2621
Fidelity Realty
Seven Gables
11 North Laburnum Avenue
(804) 222-1294
Babcock & Brown
17
Accept
Section 8
Vouchers
Special
Features
Disability
Access
yes
tax credit, pool,
laundry, playground
1 BR
only
3 blocks
yes
central air, carpet,
near YMCA
yes
x x x
1 block
no
pool
some
$625-$875
x x x
1 block
no
central air, pool, play yes
area
1
2
3
1-$600
2-$605-$640$740
3-$670
x x x
1 mile
yes
pool, laundry, picnic
area, playground,
survellience cameras
e
1
2
$560
$660
$775
x x x
1 block
no
pool, fitness center, no
tennis court, car wash
area
1
2
$595
$650-$655
x x x
6 blocks
no
central air, pet
friendly
no
1
2
3
1-$599
2-$50-$680$690
3-$730
x x x
bus
yes
pool, basketball,
central air,
playground
some
1
2
$450
$550
x x x
1 block
yes
55+, laundry
yes
1
2
3
4
$600
$680
$800
$900
x x x
4633 Needham Court
(804) 222-3885
Insignia Thalhimer
Wellington Place Apts.
2
$745
x
2 $565
TH
1
2
3
Townhomes of Oakleys
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
Rent
3 block
Bedroom
Distance to
Bus Stop
5480 Bradley Pines Circle
(804) 737-2677
Square One Management
Winston Manor Apartments
407 Winston Street
(804) 329-1433
Colony Management Corporation
HENRICO COUNTY NORTH/WEST
Cedar Wood Manor Apartments
10 Shawn Court
(804) 737-6801
Belvidere Management Co.
Country Club Apartments
1601 Lakeside Avenue
(804) 261-6642
Mark-Dana Company, Inc.
Gateway Apartments
1648 North Parham Road
(804) 270-2400
Colony Management Group
Hilliard Road Apartments
1 Hilliard Road
(804) 266-2783
Landmark Properties
Richfield Place Apartments
6001 Grammercy Circle
(804) 264-2737
FPI Management
no
PETERSBURG
Bolling Park Apartments
35 W. Fillmore Street
(804) 733-3300
Edgewood
18
Disability
Access
$461+
$495+
Special
Features
1
2
Accept
Section 8
Vouchers
$461
$486
Distance to
Bus Stop
Rent
1
2
Gas
Heat
Sewer
Water
Trash
Electric
Bedroom
yes
central air
yes
yes
energy efficiency
yes
EMPORIA
Weaver Manor Apartments
216 Meherrin Lane
(434) 634-9665
T.M. Associates
x
FARMVILLE
The Meadows
500 Hylawn Avenue
(434) 392-5180
T.M. Associates
x x x
1 block
19
Security
Deposit
$20
per
person
one
month
rent
year
Lease Term
Application Fee
Property
Descriptions
Locations
# of Units
PART 3: Landlords Rental Firms
RICHMOND: METRO AREA
Atlantic Beacon
3101 Cutshaw Ave.
Richmond, Va. 23230
(804) 359-7355
Bandazian & Holden
100+ Chesterfield, Henrico,
Richmond
500
Fan, Central Richmond, duplexes, apartment
some Henrico
buildings, houses,
townhouses
$30
one
month
rent
year
21
Chamberlayne,
Jeff Davis Highway
one bedroom garden
apartments
$10
$250
year
200+ Fan, Downtown, West
End
apartment buildings,
duplexes, houses
$25
one
month
rent
year
15
all areas
duplexes, apartment
buildings, houses,
townhouses
none
one
month
rent
900
Richmond,
Chesterfield, Henrico,
Hanover
duplexes, apartment
buildings, houses,
townhouses
$40
per
person
one
month
rent
year,
then
monthtomonth
year
250
Henrico, Fan, Museum houses, apartments,
District, VCU Campus, duplexes
Northside, West End
$25
one
month
rent
year
50
Fan, Museum District, apartment buildings
VCU Campus,
Downtown, West End,
Malvern
$20
one
month
rent
varies
450
Northside, Fan, Church duplexes, apartment
Hill, West End,
buildings, houses,
Downtown,
townhouses
Chesterfield
$50
per
person
one
month
rent
year
100
city and some county
$25
single
$30
two
one
month
rent
year
604 N. Sheppard St.
Richmond, Va. 23221
(804) 358-5543
John P. Black
6924 Lakeside Ave, Suite 101
Richmond, Va. 23228
(804) 266-9601
Dickson & Associates
2826 Monument Ave. #1
Richmond, Va. 23221
(804) 358-4311
W.C. Hutchinson
210 E. Main St.
Richmond, Va. 23219
(804) 648-9015
Landmark
4901 Dickens Rd. #119
Richmond, Va. 23230
(804) 673-0900
Main Street Properties
2111 West Main St.
Richmond, Va. 23220
(804) 355-5775
Metro Properties
200 W. Franklin St.
Richmond, Va. 23220
(804) 225-8655
RentinRichmond.com
2226 W. Main St.
Richmond, Va. 23220
(804) 358-7368
Sterling Management
17 S. Belmont Ave.
Richmond, Va. 23221
(804) 359-5018
duplexes, houses
houses
20
Property
Descriptions
Jackson Ward,
Northside
houses
$25
one
month
rent
500
Colonial Heights,
duplexes, apartment
Chesterfield, Hopewell, buildings, houses,
Petersburg, Prince
townhouses
George
$25
based on 6 month
rent
year
100
South Richmond,
houses, duplexes,
Petersburg, Hopewell, apartments
Chester, Prince George
$25
one
single
month
$32 two rent
year
21
Richmond
none
one
month
rent
year
year
Lease Term
Locations
100
422 N. 1st St.
Richmond, Va. 23219
(804) 377-2525
Security
Deposit
# of Units
Walker-Rowe Partnership
Application Fee
PART 3: Landlords Rental Firms
year
TRICITIES
Ingram & Associates
3302 Oaklawn Blvd.
Hopewell, Va. 23860
(804) 458-9873
Century 21/CF Scott, Inc
2614 South Crater Rd.
Petersburg, Va. 23805
(804) 732-0010
Central VA Properties
apartments
416 3rd St.
Petersburg, Va. 23803
(804) 861-8844
500+ Petersburg,
Colonial apartments, houses,
Heights, Chester,
duplexes, condos
Dinwiddie, Prince
George
$32
207 Temple Ave.
Colonial Heights, Va. 23834
(804) 518-0510
one
month
Whittle and Roper
700
Petersburg,
Colonial duplexes, apartment
Heights, Prince George buildings, houses,
townhouses, trailers
$40
single
$50
couple
approxi year
mately 6 month
one
month
rent
45
Emporia
none
one
month
rent
GE Matthews Property Management
2903 Boulevard, Suite A
Colonial Heights, Va. 23864
(804) 518-1488
SOUTH CENTRAL
Whitman Properties
320 South Main Street
Emporia, Va. 23847
(434) 634-5151
houses
year
21
PART 3: Rental Firms & Management Companies Credit Problems
CREDIT PROBLEMS
Many landlords require excellent credit, steady
employment (if your source of income is
employment), a monthly income of three or four
times the rent and a spotless rental history
before they will accept you as a tenant. The
following is a list of individuals and firms who
may be more flexible in their requirements,
particularly concerning credit history.
A cosigner, a steady source of income or a larger
security deposit may be required in some cases.
These firms are listed with more detailed information in the previous pages.
Neville C. Johnson: 804.355.7981
W. C. Hutchinson: 804.648.9015
Versatile Properties Management: 804.353.3111
22
PART 4: Rights & Responsibilities - Utilities
CHESTERFIELD
HANOVER
HENRICO
PETERSBURG
RICHMOND
HOW TO GET YOUR
UTILITIES CONNECTED
SERVICE /AREA
ELECTRIC
WATER/SEWER
GAS
TELEPHONE
COMPANY
Dominion Virginia Power
City of Richmond Public Utilities
Verizon
PHONE
1.888.667.3000 (toll free)
804.644.3000
804.644.3000
804.954.6222
CONNECTION CHARGE
$15
$35-$50
$35
$38.50
DEPOSIT
$90-$180 first time
customers
None
Cook/hot water $25-$50
Heat $100-$150
Based on credit
rating
NOTICE REQUIRED
1 business day
2-3 business days
2-3 business days
Varies
COMPANY
City of Petersburg Public Utilities
Columbia Gas of VA
Verizon
PHONE
1.888.667.3000 (toll free)
804.733.2349
800.543.8911
804.954.6222
CONNECTION CHARGE
$15
$15
Varies
$38.50
DEPOSIT
$90-$180 first time
customers
$75
Varies
Based on credit
rating
NOTICE REQUIRED
1 business day
Same day
2-3 business days
Varies
COMPANY
Henrico County Public Utilities
Verizon
PHONE
1.888.667.3000 (toll free)
804.501.4275
804.644-.3000
804.954.6222
CONNECTION CHARGE
$15
$10
$35
$38.50
DEPOSIT
$90-$180 first time
customers
$100
Heat $100-$150
Based on credit
rating
NOTICE REQUIRED
1 business day
3 business days
2-3 business days
Varies
COMPANY
Hanover County
City of Richmond Public Utilities*
Verizon
PHONE
1.888.667.3000 (toll free)
804.537.6024
804.644.3000
804.954.6222
CONNECTION CHARGE
$15
$30 each
$35
$38.50
DEPOSIT
$90-$180 first time
customers
$30 water, $50 sewer, $80 both
Heat $100-$150
Based on credit
rating
NOTICE REQUIRED
1 business day
3-5 business days
2-3 business days
Varies
COMPANY
Chesterfield County Public Works
Columbia Gas of VA
Verizon
PHONE
1.888.667.3000 (toll free)
804.748.4291
800.543.8911
804.954.6222
CONNECTION CHARGE
$15
$15 non-refundable fee
Varies
$38.50
DEPOSIT
$90-$180 first time
customers
None required
Varies
Based on credit
rating
NOTICE REQUIRED
1 business day
5 business days
2-3 business days
Varies
DEPOSIT MAY BE LARGER IF PAYMENT HISTORY ON PRIOR ACCOUNTS IS POOR.
THIS INFORMATION IS NOT GUARANTEED; PRICES MAY CHANGE.
*THE CITY OF RICHMOND PUBLIC UTILITIES DOES NOT SERVICE ALL AREAS OF HANOVER COUNTY.
23
PART 4: Rights and Responsibilities - Fair Housing Information
FAIR HOUSING LAW
THE FAIR HOUSING LAWS
PROTECT YOU!
WHAT KINDS OF HOUSING ARE COVERED
BY THE FAIR HOUSING LAWS?
Every person has the right to be treated fairly
in their search for a place to live. A landlord
cannot take into account your race, color,
religion, national origin, or sex in making a
decision about whether or not to rent to you.
Nor may a landlord take into account any
disability you may have, any children you may
have, or your age, if you are 55 or older.
Many different kinds of housing are covered, including apartments, rooming houses,
shelters, trailers, condos, single family houses and duplexes. There are a few exceptions, but most housing is covered.
IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DENY
A PERSON HOUSING BECAUSE
OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX,
NATIONAL ORIGIN, FAMILIAL
STATUS, HANDICAP OR
ELDERLINESS. IF YOU THINK
SOMEONE MAY BE
DISCRIMINATING AGAINST YOU,
CALL HOME.
WHAT CAN A LANDLORD REQUIRE?
A landlord or housing provider MAY require that you have good credit, not too many
debts, a steady income, a history of paying your rent on time, and that your income
be a certain amount.
HOW MANY PEOPLE MAY LIVE IN ONE APARTMENT?
A landlord may also limit the number of people (NOT the number of children) who
live in an apartment, BUT the limitation must be reasonable. Every situation is
different, but in general, the following things are either okay or not okay for the
landlord to require:
A landlord may say:
A landlord should NOT say:
Only 2 people per bedroom
No more than three people in a two bedroom
apartment. Children of the opposite sex must
have separate bedrooms.
(If you are told these things, it may be
discrimination, and you should call HOME).
WHAT IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY?
A landlord may not ask you questions about your disability unless it is to make sure
you qualify for special housing. If you need a unit to be modified (for instance, you
need a ramp installed because you use a wheelchair); or a change in policy (to have
a home care attendant stay with you, for example, even though the landlord’s policy
is that two unrelated adults may not share an apartment), the landlord must allow
you to do so. If the apartment receives federal money (such as public housing or
Section 8), the landlord must pay for modifications. Otherwise, you must pay for
them yourself.
WHAT IF THE LANDLORD MAKES A PASS AT YOU?
Sexual harassment is a very serious violation of the fair housing laws. If a landlord
makes a pass at you, or implies that you’ll get the apartment (or a lower rent) if
you’re “nice” to him (or her), it’s against the law. You should call HOME.
If you have any questions about whether
you are being treated fairly, call HOME at
804.354.0641. There is no charge, and
your call will be kept confidential.
24
PART 4: Rights and Responsibilities - Overview
OVERVIEW OF TIPS
FOR TENANTS
AN OVERVIEW OF YOUR RIGHTS
& RESPONSIBILITIES
LEASING AN APARTMENT
Leases are usually impossible to break without court action.
Get all agreements in writing.
Inspect the apartment before moving in and document all problems in writing.
Read and understand your lease before signing and keep a copy for yourself.
For more information on the topics below, see
the pages to follow in this document.
As a tenant, you have certain rights and
obligations under the Virginia Residential
Landlord and Tenant Act. All apartment leases
fall under this act. Duplexes or houses may or
may not be covered, depending on the lease
and the number of properties owned by the
landlord. You may be able to get a copy of the
Act from a local state housing office, or from the
Virginia Department of Housing and Community
Development in Richmond at 804.371.7100.
HOME cannot provide legal advice or represent
you in court, but may be able to help you
resolve problems by providing information
about your rights as a tenant. For legal
assistance, contact a lawyer or your local Legal
Aid office.
WHAT IF LANDLORD WON’T MAKE REPAIRS?
At the first sign of trouble, put your complaint in writing to the landlord and keep a copy.
Never refuse to pay your rent because repairs are needed; instead, you need to follow a
legal process to set up an escrow account with the court (described in following pages).
Report serious violations to your city/county building inspector’s office.
WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY MY RENT?
If a landlord wants to evict you, he must first take you to court.
Always go to court when summoned; this will help delay the eviction.
If you are evicted, you may still owe the rent for the rest of the lease period.
If your possessions are actually being removed from your property by the landlord and he/
she has not filed the eviction with the sheriff, you may be able to get help from the police.
Until your court-ordered eviction day, the landlord has no additional rights to your
property. This means he/she cannot turn off utilities, change locks, or enter.
WHAT IF MY LANDLORD WANTS TO EVICT ME FOR PROBLEMS?
Richmond Legal Aid 804.648.1012
Petersburg Legal Aid 804.862.1100
The landlord must prove in court that you violated the lease.
The landlord must give you a chance to fix most problems before taking you to court.
Until your court-ordered eviction day, the landlord has no additional rights to your
property. This means he/she cannot turn off utilities, change locks, or enter the property
without notice.
GIVING NOTICE/TERMINATING A LEASE
If you plan to move, know how much notice your lease requires before it ends.
A landlord can’t ask you to move during your lease period unless he/she can prove in court
that you have violated the lease agreement.
A landlord can’t change the terms of the lease during the middle of the lease term without
your permission.
Once the lease term is up, you or the landlord can terminate the lease without having to
give a reason.
SECURITY DEPOSITS
You can find the Virginia Residential Landlord
and Tenant Act on our website at
www.HOMEofVA.org. For a current copy of the
Landlord/Tenant Handbook, call DHCD annually
at 804.371.7000, or visit their web site at
www.dhcd.virginia.gov to download a copy.
For more landlord/tenant information, visit
www.valegalaid.org and click on housing.
After you have moved out, the landlord has 45 days to refund your deposit.
If your landlord has held your security deposit for 13 months or more, you may be owed
interest on your deposit.
You have the right to be present at the walk-through inspection after you move out, and
the landlord must notify you of this right.
Make sure you are not being charged for problems that were there before you moved in. Do this
by making sure you do a walk through when you move in, documenting any problems, giving the
list to the landlord, and saving a copy.
25
PART 4: Rights and Responsibilities - Tips for Tenants
TIPS FOR TENANTS
LEASING AN APARTMENT
January 5, 2009
Dear Landlord’s Name:
I am writing about problems with my apartment at
3321 Maple Court. As you know from my repeated
complaints and my last letter, the following
conditions exist in my property:
1) leak in the kitchen ceiling,
2) hole in the bathroom wall,
3) broken faucet in upstairs bathroom.
According to the lease, it is your duty to fix these
problems. If these items are not repaired to my
satisfaction by January 30, 2009, I will pay my
February rent into an escrow account with the
General District Court on February 2, 2009. I hope
this will not be necessary.
Sincerely,
Your signature
READ and UNDERSTAND everything in your lease before signing. If you do not
understand something, or your landlord is not clear, seek legal advice. Make sure you
understand the following points and that they are clearly stated in your lease.
How much is the rent?
How much is the security deposit?
How much advance notice is required
to move out at the end of the lease?
What day is the rent due and how
much is the late fee?
Which utilities are included in the
rent?
What appliances are provided by the
landlord?
Which repairs are the landlord’s
responsibility?
Are there any unusual rules or regulations? If so, get a copy of them.
WHAT IF MY LANDLORD WON’T MAKE NEEDED REPAIRS?
If you simply refuse to pay rent because of the poor conditions in your property,
you will most likely lose in court if your landlord sues you for non-payment of rent.
The law does allow for you to withhold rent, but you need to use the following
procedure and do it through the court system. You must be current in your rent to
use this procedure.
First, write your landlord a letter stating the problems you are having and what
repairs are needed and keep a copy. If nothing is done and you continue to have
problems, you may need to set up an escrow account with the General District Court.
This means that you pay your rent to the court, rather than to the landlord, and that
the landlord may not take legal action against you for withholding your rent (if the
property is under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act).
Before you pay your rent to the court, you must write your landlord a second letter
stating that you are going to pay your rent into escrow if the repairs are not done,
and giving him/her the exact date you plan to do it. Again, keep a copy. (It should be
on the day you normally pay your rent). The law requires that you give the landlord
at least 21 days to make the repairs before you open the escrow account, unless they
are emergencies related to health and safety.
When you go to pay your rent to the court, you must take a copy of your lease and a
copy of the letter you wrote your landlord asking for repairs. You will be given a
court date within 15 days, and the judge will then decide what to do with your rent
money, and which repairs the landlord is required to complete.
Call Legal Aid or a lawyer for assistance if needed. Always mail the letter to your
landlord and get a proof of mailing from the post office.
SAMPLE
LETTER
Before you sign a lease, make sure you have
inspected the actual apartment you will be renting. Remember to make your landlord put all
agreements in writing before you move in. For
example, if the landlord agrees to make a repair
such as cleaning the carpet or painting a bedroom, make sure the promise is in writing.
When you move into a place, write down all the
things that are wrong with the apartment (such
as torn screens) and get your landlord to sign an
acknowledgement of them. By doing this, you
may avoid being charged for damages you did
not cause when it’s time to move out. Many
landlords and complexes have inspection
checklist forms they use for this purpose.
TO REPORT A CODE VIOLATION, CALL YOUR
CITY/COUNTY BUILDING INSPECTOR’S
OFFICE AT THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS:
Richmond 804.646.6419
Henrico 804.501.5745
Chesterfield 804.748.1057
Hanover 804.537.6040
Petersburg 804.733.2409.
It is illegal for a landlord to evict a tenant or terminate a lease because the
tenant reported a code or health violation. It’s called retaliation. It is also
VERY hard to prove in court. If you have problems because you made a
complaint, you may need to get a lawyer.
26
TIPS FOR TENANTS
WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY MY RENT?
GIVING NOTICE/TERMINATING A LEASE
The landlord may evict you for non-payment of
rent. However, there is a legal procedure
landlords must follow before they can actually
put a tenant out. A landlord must first serve a
pay or quit or material non-compliance notice,
then file an unlawful detainer with the General
District Court; then, if the landlord gets
possession of the apartment in court, he/she
must file an eviction notice with the sheriff. It is
always a good idea to show up in court, even if
you do not have the rent money. Your presence
in court may delay eviction proceedings. If you
are being evicted, you must be served an
eviction notice from the sheriff ’s office. This
eviction notice is valid for one year, as long as
the landlord informs you he/she is “accepting
the rent with reservation” every time the rent is
paid. If you think you are being evicted illegally,
call Legal Aid or a lawyer. Also, if you pay all the
amounts owed (rent, fees & costs) before your
court date, the unlawful detainer action must
be dropped. This is called the Right of
Redemption and is available one time in any
12-month period.
UNTIL YOUR COURT-ORDERED EVICTION DAY,
THE LANDLORD HAS NO ADDITIONAL RIGHTS
TO YOUR PROPERTY. THIS MEANS HE/SHE
CANNOT TURN OFF UTILITIES, CHANGE LOCKS,
OR ENTER THE PROPERTY WITHOUT NOTICE.
It should be stated in your lease how far in advance you need to give notice to move.
Remember that in most leases, you may only give notice at the end of the lease
period. In other words, if you have a yearly lease running from 9/1/2011 to
8/31/2012 and your lease states that a 60 day notice is required, you need to notify
your landlord IN WRITING by the end of June 2012 that you wish to move. If you
don’t, you may be liable for another year’s lease. Also, if the landlord is giving you
notice that your lease is not renewing, and it is proper notice as stated in the lease,
the landlord does not have to have a reason to terminate. Neither you nor the
landlord can change any terms of the lease in the middle of the lease period without
a mutually signed agreement. If you pay your rent weekly or monthly and do not
have a lease, you are usually required to give notice either a week or a month ahead
of time. For instance, if you are renting a place by the week, you would need to give
a week’s written notice to vacate. The landlord is also required to give you a week’s
written notice if he/she wants you to vacate. Remember, if you move out or get
evicted before the end of your lease term, you may be held responsible for the rent
for the entire lease period. For instance, if your lease runs through September and
you get evicted or vacate the apartment in May without the landlord’s consent, you
will still owe for June, July, August, and September. However, if the landlord re-rents
the property, you would no longer owe rent for the months after the apartment is
re-rented. A landlord cannot collect rent twice for the same property.
THIS IS THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION EXCERPT
FROM 55–243 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA:
A. If any party having right or claim to such land
shall, at any time before the trial in such ejectment or before the first court return date in an
action of unlawful detainer seeking possession
of a residential dwelling based upon default in
rent, pay or tender to the party entitled to such
rent, or to his attorney in the cause or pay into
the court, all the rent and arrears, along with
any reasonable attorney fees and late charges
contracted for in a written rental agreement,
interest and costs, all further proceedings in the
ejectment or unlawful detainer shall cease.
EVICTION PROCESS:
Sixth day of the month (assuming a five-day grace period and the rent is due on
the first): Landlord issues pay or quit or material non-compliance notice, giving the
tenant five days to pay the rent and late fees to avoid further action.
Eleventh day of the month: Landlord files an unlawful detainer with the court; the
tenant is issued the unlawful detainer, which is a summons to go to court; court date
is usually two to three weeks later; warrant usually asks for rent, late fees, court
fees, legal fees and possession of the property.
Court date: Landlord asks for judgment for money owed and for possession of the
property. If landlord wins and tenant showed up in court, landlord must wait 10 days
to file the writ of eviction with the sheriff. If the tenant did not show up in court, the
landlord can file that day for immediate possession. Then the sheriff issues the
eviction notice to the tenant with the eviction date not less than 72 hours away.
10 days after court date, if tenant went to court: If tenant has not appealed,
landlord files a writ of eviction with the sheriff. Sheriff issues an eviction notice to
the tenant with the eviction date set on it (no less than 72 hours later). Eviction can
happen on that day or any day thereafter for a full year. However, if eviction does
not occur and tenant continues to pay rent, landlord must accept the rent with
reservation or landlord loses the right to evict (without going to court again).
RIGHT OF REDEMPTION
If a tenant is served with an unlawful detainer, then pays ALL the amounts listed on
it (rent, fees & costs) before the court date, the landlord cannot get possession in
court. This is only available to a tenant one time in a 12 month period. In other
27
TIPS FOR TENANTS
INTEREST RATES ON SECURITY DEPOSITS
(EXCERPT FROM THE VA RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT)
55–248.15:2. Schedule of interest rates on security
deposits.
A. The interest rate established by 55–248.15:1 varies
annually with the annual rate being equal to four
percentage points below the Federal Reserve Board
discount rate as of January 1 of each year. The purpose of this section is to set out the interest rates
applicable under this chapter.
B. The rates are as follows:
July 1, 1975—December 31, 1979
3%
January 1, 1980—December 31, 1981
4%
4.5%
5%
January 1, 1995— December 31, 1995
4.75%
January 1, 1996 —December 31, 1996
5%
5%
January 1, 1999—June 30, 1999
4.5%
July 1, 1999 —December 31, 1999
3.5%
4%
5%
0.25%
0%
1%
2.25%
4.25%
5.25%
0.75%
0%
0%
RIGHT OF REDEMPTION (CONT)
words, if you received an unlawful detainer in May, paid the rent, the action was
dropped, and then you received another unlawful detainer in September, the
landlord could still get possession even if you paid everything before the court date.
WHAT IF MY LANDLORD WANTS TO EVICT ME?
If your landlord thinks you have violated the terms of the lease (examples: making
excessive noise, having unauthorized people living there, having a pet without
permission), he/she may pursue legal action in court to have you evicted. Before
taking you to court, the landlord must issue a notice notifying you of the problem
and giving you 21 days to correct it. The notice should say that if you do not correct
the problem within 21 days, you must move out within 30 days. (You may still be
responsible for the rest of the lease even if you do move out). After those 30 days,
the landlord may file an unlawful detainer against you. This will be a summons to
court. When you go to court, the landlord will try to prove how you violated the
lease, and try to get the judge to grant him/her possession of the property. If
possession is granted, the landlord may file an eviction with the sheriff ten days after
the court date, provided the tenant showed up for court. If the tenant does not show
up in court, the landlord may file for an immediate possession. (If the nature of the
tenant’s violation poses a safety threat to others, the process may be much quicker.)
If you receive a lease violation notice, correct the problem, and then commit the
same violation again, the landlord does not have to give you another chance to
correct it. He/she can simply give you notice that your lease will terminate. However,
the landlord still has to file an unlawful detainer and prove the violation in court.
SECURITY DEPOSITS
At the end of the lease, you and your landlord should inspect the apartment after you
have moved out. If the landlord holds some of your deposit for damages, he/she is
required to give you a list of the actual damages and their costs. The landlord must
do the inspection within 72 hours of lease termination, and must return the deposit
within 45 days of lease termination. The landlord is also required to give you notice
that you are entitled to be present for the damage inspection. Make sure you are not
being charged for problems that were there when you moved in. (Use your move-in
inspection list for documentation). If your landlord has held your security deposit for
at least 13 months, you are owed interest on that security deposit. Once the 13
months is completed, interest starts being earned from the beginning of the lease,
and is earned every day until the security deposit is returned (Interest is not compounded). Deposits on properties (houses) which are not under the Virginia
Residential Landlord and Tenant Act do not earn interest.
THEREAFTER, THE INTEREST RATE SHALL BE DETERMINED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION B OF 55–248.15:1. (2003,
C. 438.) THIS IS THE CHART OF INTEREST RATES AS OF 2012.
THIS PROVISION OF THE VA. CODE CAN BE AMENDED EACH
YEAR; CHECK FOR UPDATES.
28
PART 4: Rights and Responsibilities - Tips on Crime Prevention & Safety
TIPS ON CRIME
PREVENTION & SAFETY
PERSONAL SAFETY
HOME SAFETY
Keeping yourself safe is the first step to a safe
community. It is important to know how to
handle an emergency situation so that you and
your family are safe.
It is important to make sure that your family is safe and secure. If you take simple
precautions around the home, you can ensure that it will always be a safe place to
live. Secure windows with locks; use sturdy metal or solid wood doors at all entries
into your home. Install well-made deadbolt locks, and trim shrubs and trees to avoid
providing a hiding place for criminals.
STREETWISE
Remember to trust your instincts. Always be
alert and aware of the people around you. Walk
confidently and at a steady pace. Stay in
well-lighted areas as much as possible. Park in
well-lighted areas. Have your keys in your hand
when entering your car. Don't respond to
conversation from strangers on the street.
Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics.
LEAD BASED PAINT
Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects,
particularly in young children. Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have
paint that contains high levels of lead. Federal law requires that individuals receive
certain information before renting, buying, or renovating pre-1978 housing.
FIRE SAFETY
Take the time to plan a fire escape with your family. It is also important to have a
working smoke alarm, not overload circuits or extension cords, and be extremely
careful with portable heaters. Call your local fire department for a free smoke
detector, which sometimes will be installed at no cost.
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Working to build a safe and healthy community can be easy with local community
resources. Think about starting a community watch in your neighborhood or have the
local police come talk at your community meetings.
ABUSE
Domestic violence isn't only about physical abuse and visible marks; it's about power
and control. Abuse isolates and causes emotional and financial dependence. One
partner has far more power than the other and uses abuse to keep control over the
other person. If you feel that you are in an abusive situation, or if you know someone
who is, seek help immediately.
29
TIPS ON CRIME
PREVENTION & SAFETY
BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU GIVE OUT YOUR
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.
GET A COPY OF YOUR CREDIT REPORT
ANNUALLY TO CHECK FOR INACCURACIES
OR FRAUDULENT CHARGES.
FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE FEDERAL
TRADE COMMISSION.
FILE A POLICE REPORT.
CLOSE THE ACCOUNT THAT IS IN QUESTION
TO PREVENT ADDITIONAL CHARGES.
IF YOUR CREDIT OR IDENTITY HAS
BEEN STOLEN, MAKE SURE THAT YOU
CONTACT THE FRAUD DEPARTMENT
OF THE THREE CREDIT REPORTING
AGENCIES. YOU CAN FIND CONTACT
INFORMATION LISTED ON THE
“RESOURCE NUMBERS AND
WEBSITES” CHART SHOWN ON THE
PREVIOUS PAGE.
ID THEFT AND CREDIT SAFETY
It is important to keep your credit protected and safe. A good credit history
will allow you to get lower interest rates, save money, and help create
financial security. When your identity or credit has been stolen, your credit
history and purchasing power will suffer.
PREDATORY LENDING AND SCAMS
What is a predatory loan? A predatory loan is a bad loan that takes
advantage of a borrower and puts the borrower at risk. With a predatory
loan, the lender or broker can make a profit that is not related to the costs
of the transaction or the risk of making the loan. ANY loan can include fees,
interest rates, or contract terms that are predatory or harmful. Some loan
terms that may be abusive are perfectly legal, while others are not.
Sometimes what is legal depends on the situation. Many predatory
practices are LEGAL, so you must protect yourself!
ATTEND A FREE CREDIT WORKSHOP THROUGH HOME TO BETTER UNDERSTAND YOUR CREDIT.
CREDIT RECOVERY AND MONEY MANAGEMENT CLASSES ARE
OFFERED ON THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH.
30
RESOURCE NUMBERS
AND WEBSITES
PERSONAL SAFETY
Domestic Violence
800.838.8238 (toll-free)
YMCA
804.769.3066
American Red Cross
804.780.2250, www.redcross.org
HOME SAFETY
National Lead Information Center
800.424.5323 (toll-free)
City of Richmond
804.646.7025
securityworld.com
www.security world.com
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Richmond
www.richmondgov.com
Richmond Neighborhood Watch Program
804.646.4395
Non-Emergency Police number
804.646.5100
Henrico
www.co.henrico.va.us
Neighborhood Watch Program
804.501.4856
Non-Emergency Police number
804.501.5000
ID THEFT AND CREDIT SAFETY
You have the right to receive a free copy of your credit report once
every 12 months from each of the three credit reporting companies.
www.annualcreditreport.com
toll-free 1.877.322.8228.
Equifax
www.equifax.com
Order Your Report
888.685.1111 (toll-free)
P.O. Box 720241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Report Fraud
888.525.6285 (toll-free)
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Experian
www.esperian.com
Order Your Report
888.379.3742 (toll-free)
P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX
Report Fraud
888.397.3742 (toll-free)
P.O. Box 9530, Allen, TX 75013
Trans Union
www.transunion.com
Order Your Report
800.888.4213
P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022
Report Fraud
800.680.7289
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634
Federal Trade Commission
877.392.4357, www.ftc.gov
CRC-240, Washington, D.C. 20580
Office of the Attorney General
804.786.2071 (voice), 804.786.1991 (fax), [email protected] (e-mail)
900 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219
www.oag.state.va.us
PREDATORY LENDING AND SCAMS
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME)
804.354.0641, www.HOMEofVA.org
Freddie Mac
www.dontborrowtrouble.com
Office of the Attorney General
www.oag.state.va.us
First Gov for Consumers
www.consumer.gov
BorrowSmart Public Education Foundation
www.borrowsmart.org
LANDLORD/TENANT DISPUTES
Department of Consumer Affairs
804.786.2042, www.vdacs.virginia.gov/consumers
31
PART 4: Rights and Responsibilities - What You Should Know About Credit and Budgeting
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
CREDIT AND BUDGETING
WHAT IS CREDIT?
BUILDING GOOD CREDIT
Credit is when money is given to you with the
expectation of repayment (usually by banks,
credit unions, financial companies, car
dealerships, stores, or credit card companies).
A record of how repayment of this money is
handled in the past is your credit history. If
used correctly, credit can make many things
possible; however, if abused, it can make you
a slave to payments.
It is never too late to clean up your credit history or to start building a credit
history. Depending on how serious your past and present credit problems
are, it may take time and patience to establish good credit. If you have never
had credit, you can start to use credit in a way that will help build a good
credit history. If you have a slightly damaged credit history, with only a few
late payments, you may be able to bring your accounts up to date and improve your credit in just a few months. Once your credit record is repaired,
you will have access to the financial safety net that good credit provides.
HOW DO I OBTAIN CREDIT?
If you are seeking credit you should:
Shop for credit as carefully as you would
other merchandise.
Compare the price of credit (interest
rates, fees and terms).
Explore different sources of credit when
you finance a purchase (banks, credit
unions, finance companies, family
and friends).
Always avoid payday lenders and auto
title loans.
Make a large cash down payment to
reduce payments and interest.
Know what penalties apply if you can
not make the payments.
WHY WAS I REJECTED?
Landlords, utility companies, employers, insurers, and lenders all have the
right to check your credit history and use your credit status as a reason to
turn you down. Your application for credit may have been denied because
you do not have a good credit history or because you have never had credit.
If you are denied credit, you have the right to know why and should request
an explanation. If you ever had a loan or a credit card, you probably have a
credit history on file with one or all of the three major credit reporting
bureaus. This is called a credit report. If your credit report shows you did not
handle credit responsibly in the past, you will probably be turned down for
new credit. If you have never obtained credit, recently begun to use credit,
or have not used credit in many years, you may not have a credit
report. Without one, lenders have no way of judging if you are a good credit
risk. A poor credit rating can be the result of late payments on your credit
cards, loans you never paid back or bankruptcy. This negative information
remains on your credit report for seven to ten years. If you have
experienced these problems, you may find it difficult to get credit or do
things that require a good credit history. Even if you get credit, you may be
asked to pay higher than average interest rates and fees because you would
be considered a risk to the lender.
HOME offers a free monthly MONEY
MANAGEMENT AND CREDIT RECOVERY
CLASS. Call 804.354.0641 for times.
32
CREDIT AND BUDGETING
KEEP YOUR EXISTING CREDIT
ACCOUNTS IN GOOD STANDING.
You can repair your credit by improving the
way you handle existing accounts, as well
as by obtaining new credit. In general, pay
more than the minimum payment – but, if
you are in financial trouble, at least pay
what the creditor asks for on a regular
basis while you work on improving your
finances. However, even paying $20 more
per month will shorten the payoff period
considerably.
TO REBUILD CREDIT, APPLY FOR A
CREDIT CARD OR SMALL LOAN
FROM YOUR BANK, CREDIT UNION
OR A LOCAL DEPARTMENT STORE.
Explain that you have had credit problems, but
that you are serious about improving your
credit history. If your credit problems are severe
and/or recent, your application may be denied.
Do not take rejection personally. Most credit
denials – even by local stores, banks and credit
unions – are based on credit reports or lack of
credit history.
RULES OF BUDGETING
Set realistic financial goals.
Distinguish between wants and needs.
Record monthly expenses: adjust to
develop a realistic spending plan.
Housing expenses should not be more
than 40 percent of your monthly income.
Shop wisely.
Keep accurate records.
Build a savings account to include an
emergency reserve of at least three
months take-home pay.
REPAIRING YOUR CREDIT
Repairing your credit is not done overnight. It is an ongoing process that you must
approach with determination, diligence, and discipline. Follow these tips:
ERRORS ON YOUR CREDIT REPORT
All the information you need to correct an error is sent with your credit report. If
you find incorrect information on your credit report, fill out the dispute form
provided by the credit reporting bureau or write a letter to the bureau explaining
your dispute. The credit bureau has approximately 30 days to investigate and
respond to your dispute. You should receive a written report on the results of the
investigation. If your dispute results in a change to your credit report, you will also
get a free copy of your report with the corrections. If the investigation reveals an
error, you may ask that a corrected version of the report be sent to anyone who
received it within the past six months. Job applicants can have corrected reports
sent to anyone who received a report for employment purposes during the past two
years. The credit bureau cannot put the disputed information back in your file unless
the company that provided it attests to its accuracy. In this case, the credit bureau
should give you a written notice that includes the name, address and phone number
of the original provider. If the information is validated, the disputed items can go
back on your credit report. Write to the company that provided the incorrect data
to let it know about your complaint. The company then is required to note your
dispute when it provides information about that account to credit reporting bureaus
in the future. You also may provide the credit reporting bureau with your side of the
story by writing an explanation of no more than 100 words. Explain your position
clearly and concisely and send it to the credit reporting bureau. Your statement will
be added to your credit report.
GET A SECURED BANK CREDIT CARD
Secured cards are backed by money you deposit and keep in a bank account. If you
do not pay off your credit card bill, the money in your account will be used to cover
that debt. Even people with poor credit may be able to get a secured Visa or
MasterCard. Secured credit cards can help you repair your credit. You will probably
qualify for a secured credit card if all your bills are paid and you have had no bad
marks on your credit for at least six months.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF YOUR CREDIT REPORT
ONCE EVERY 12 MONTHS FROM EACH OF THE THREE CREDIT REPORTING
COMPANIES. TO USE THIS SERVICE, CALL TOLL FREE 1.877.322.8228 OR VISIT
WWW.ANNUALCREDITREPORT.COM.
33
BUDGET FORM
HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES:
HOUSEHOLD INCOME :
EXPENSE
Mortgage Loan 1
INCOME SOURCE
Wages/Salary
Mortgage Loan 2
Mortgage Loan 3
Benefits
Food Stamps
Taxes/Insurance
Electricity
Child Support
Gas/Heating Oil
Water/Trash
Other
TOTAL
Cable/Satellite
Phone
$
Mobile/Pager
Home Maintenance/Security
Car Payment
HOUSEHOLD INCOME :
INCOME SOURCE
Car Insurance
Gas/Tolls/Parking
Wages/Salary
Car Maintenance
Groceries
Benefits
Food Stamps
Work Lunches
School Lunches
Child Support
Other
Eating Out
Toiletries/Cleaning Products
TOTAL
$
Dry Cleaning
Laundry
Hair Care
Pet Care
HOUSEHOLD INCOME :
Child Support
INCOME SOURCE
Child Care
Allowances
Wages/Salary
Medical/Life Insurance
Medical/Dental/Optical
Benefits
Food Stamps
Prescriptions
Clothing
Child Support
Other
Entertainment
Tobacco/Alcohol
TOTAL
$
Subscription/Web Access
Gifts
Offerings/Donations
Savings
SUMMARY
Recreational
Credit Card 1
Total Income
Credit Card 2
TOTAL
Total Expenses
$
MONTHLY DIFFERENCE
$
34
PART 4: Rights and Responsibilities - Apartment Inspection
APARTMENT INSPECTION
CHECKLIST
MOST OF THESE ITEMS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW IN MOST LOCALITIES.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CALL YOUR LOCAL ENFORCEMENT OFFICE.
BUILDING CONDITION
YES
NO
NOTES
OUTSIDE AREAS
Is there litter or broken glass?
Are there rats or mice?
HALLS, STAIRWAYS AND DOORWAYS
Are they well lit and uncluttered for easy exit?
Are steps or handrails broken?
FIRE EXITS
Are there back stairways or fire escapes?
SMOKE DETECTORS
Is there a working smoke detector on every level?
GARBAGE
Is the container nearby and the area clean?
ELEVATOR
If there is one, does it work?
WINDOWS
Is there one in every room? (except the bathroom)
Are any broken? Do they open and close easily?
Do they have screens, do they fit the frames?
FLOORS, CEILINGS, AND WALLS
Are they reasonably clean?
Are the floors in the bath and kitchen watertight? Is the plaster cracked?
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Does the heat work? Is there enough?
ELECTRIC
Are there two electric outlets in every room?
Do the wall switches work?
Is the lighting adequate?
Is the electrical panel box labeled?
Is there any exposed wiring?
KITCHEN
Is the sink drain stopped up? (run water to check)
Is the sink clean?
Is the stove clean and working? (test all burners)
Is the refrigerator clean and working?
Check under food cabinets, shelves, pipes under the sink, and floor under refrigerator and dishwasher for signs of mice and bugs.
BATHROOM
Is there enough water pressure? (flush toilet)
Is there enough hot water? (run tap to test)
Do the fixtures leak? (Check for yellowish stains around faucet; check under sink and behind toilet. Fill the tub with water; does it leak onto the floor?)
Are the drains stopped up?
Is there an electrical outlet?
Does a windowless bathroom have an exhaust fan?
WARNING: Low water pressure or a leaking toilet, sink, or tub can mean serious plumbing problems that should be fixed before you sign a lease.
DOORS
Can you lock all doors between rooms easily from the outside in case of an emergency?
Is there a lock on every outside door? (which does not require a key from the inside)
Do all locks work well?
Are there holes in the door or big gaps under the door?
35
PART 4: Rights and Responsibilities - Apartment Inspection
APARTMENT INSPECTION
CHECKLIST
You should also check the following items. Although they are not required to be provided
by law, you should know what condition they are in before you sign the lease.
BUILDING IN GENERAL
YES
NO
NOTES
LAUNDRY FACILITIES
In the building?
Do they work?
MAILBOXES
Do they lock?
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Is it regular?
WINDOWS
Are there storm windows, blinds, or shades?
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Is there air conditioning? (If window unit, check noise level.)
If centrally air conditioned, is there a thermostat within the apartment?
SIZE
Will your furniture fit? Measure all rooms, empty rooms seem larger than they really are.
BEDROOMS
Are windows well-placed for easy escape in case of fire? Small or high windows make escape difficult.
Are screens in children’s rooms secure enough to prevent falls? If not serious accidents may result.
KITCHEN
Does the refrigerator have a separate door for the freezer area?
If there is a dishwasher, does it work?
DOORS
Do doors to the apartment from the outside have extra security locks such as a deadbolt or chain?
Under Virginia law, you have the right to a clean and safe home. Before you sign a lease, inspect the house or apartment carefully. This
checklist tells you some of the things to look for. Carry it with you and check all items that need to be corrected. If your landlord will not
agree in writing to have the repairs done, you must decide whether you want the apartment as is. If you do take an apartment that is not
in good condition, make sure you take note of the existing condition before you sign the lease. Get the landlord to acknowledge in writing
that these conditions existed when you moved in so that you will not be blamed for them when you move out. (A sample of these statements is provided on the next page for your use). Remember: a spoken agreement is almost impossible to enforce, so ...
PUT ALL AGREEMENTS YOU MAKE WITH YOUR LANDLORD IN WRITING.
36
PART 4: Rights and Responsibilities - Addendum to Lease
ADDENDUM
TO
LEASE
(ATTACH TO TENANT’S COPY)
This addendum is added to, incorporated in, and made part of the lease between
____________________________________________and ____________________________________________
Landlord(s)
Tenant(s)
Landlord and tenant both hereby note the prior existence of the following conditions, for which the tenant will
not be held liable:
_____________________________________________
_________________________________________
The landlord hereby further agrees that in consideration of the tenant’s payment of rent and for other good and
valuable consideration, he or she will make the following repairs or corrections on or before the specified date:
1. _______________________________________________________________ by ______________________
2. _______________________________________________________________ by ______________________
3. _______________________________________________________________ by ______________________
WHEREFORE, having fully read and understood the above agreement, the parties hereby affix their signatures:
______________________________________________________
Landlord(s)
date
______________________________________________________
Tenant(s)
date
37
PART 4: Rights and Responsibilities - Lead Paint Information
LEAD PAINT
Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a
range of adverse health effects, particularly in
young children. Many houses and apartments
built before 1978 have paint that contains high
levels of lead. Federal law requires that
individuals receive certain information before
renting, buying, or renovating pre-1978 housing. The Environmental Protection Agency requires landlords to provide tenants with copies
of the two documents shown on this page.
38
PART 4: Rights and Responsibilities - Rules of Renting
RULES OF RENTING
1
2
3
4
5
6
READ AND UNDERSTAND BEFORE YOU SIGN
When you sign something, you are agreeing to it. READ YOUR LEASE AND ALL
AGREEMENTS BEFORE SIGNING.
NEVER WITHHOLD YOUR RENT
If you have an issue with your landlord that cannot be resolved, you must go
through the court system. You can use the court system to put your rent into
escrow, but if you just don’t pay it, you can be evicted
PAY YOUR BILLS FIRST
Pay your bills as they arrive. Stick to a budget and pay your bills on time.
KEEP YOUR PAPER TRAIL
Put it in writing and get a receipt. Put every request for service in writing.
Make sure all verbal agreements between you and your landlord are
documented. Keep your lease, receipts, letters and all paperwork together
in one place for easy reference. Keep copies of all your bills.
THINK ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY
Many people take their health and safety for granted. Think and make smart
choices about your own health and safety. Don’t rush into a rental situation
that makes you uncomfortable.
TREAT YOUR NEIGHBORS AS YOU’D LIKE TO BE TREATED
Adhere to noise restrictions. Keep your apartment clean and free of pests.
Watch out for your neighbors, and they will watch out for you. Respect other
people’s rights and privacy.
Partially excerpted from VCU Off-Campus Student Handbook
39
PART 4: Rights and Responsibilities - Useful Contact Information
EMERGENCY HOUSING
AND LEGAL HELP
For general information about community
resources and rental financial assistance,
call United Way Information and Referral
Center at 804.275.2000 or 1.800.230.6977,
or you can visit www.211virginia.org, or
simply call 211.
EMERGENCY HOUSING
If you are homeless and seeking shelter, register with Central Intake. They keep track
of which shelters have space available and will refer you there. They also may be able
to help you plan the best course of action and connect you to other resources. The
following shelters use the Central Intake system: CARITAS, ESI Connections, Salvation
Army, Freedom House, The Healing Place.
Central Intake: 804.648.4177
LEGAL HELP
Legal Aid: free legal services in civil matters to
persons with low-income, 804.648.1012.
Hunton and Williams, Church Hill Office:
affordable legal representation for Richmond
residents who are ineligible for Legal Aid,
804.775.2248.
EMERGENCY HOUSING FOR
SUBSTANCE ABUSE RECOVERY
Shelters with programs related to substance
abuse recovery:
Richmond Outreach Center: 804.675.4101
Good Samaritan Inn (for men): 804.231.9995
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
Long-term housing with support services. Space is usually not available on an
emergency basis. These programs have eligibility criteria.
WOMEN:
Hilliard House: 804.236.5800
Flagler Home: 804.553.3258
Grace House (Chesterfield): 804.267.1882
Daughters of Zelophehad (Chesterfield): 804.714.0007
Home Again: 804.358.7747
MEN:
Freedom House: 804.232.1949
Sean’s Place: 804.344.8163
Home Again: 804.358.7747
The Healing Place: 804.230.1217 (for substance abuse treatment)
EMERGENCY HOUSING FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
There are three emergency programs available for women who are escaping
domestic violence:
Safe Harbor: 804.287.7877
YWCA: 804.643.0888
Hanover Safe Place: 804.752.2702 or 800.838.8238 (toll-free)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
For information on energy efficient appliances and other energy saving tips, visit www.energystar.gov.
40

affordable rental housing - Housing Opportunities Made Equal of

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