Our Services
Eviction Diversion Program
Struggling to pay rent? Facing eviction? The City of Richmond’s Eviction Diversion Program is here to help. Our program offers eligible tenants the opportunity to stay in their homes by providing financial assistance, guidance, and support. We work with both tenants and landlords to prevent eviction, ensuring you have the resources and information needed to maintain stable housing.
Am I Eligible?
Residency & Court Attendance
Tenant must live in the City of Richmond.
Tenant must attend the scheduled court date.
Nonpayment Notice
Tenant must have received a written nonpayment notice or a Summons for Unlawful Detainer.
Eligible Expenses
Writ of Evictions and Judgment of Possession are not eligible for assistance.
Rent arrears cannot exceed two months of rent.
Tenant must not have had a prior judgment of possession entered against them for the current property address within the past 90 days.
Income & Rent Proportion
Tenant’s rent payment must not exceed 50% of gross household income.
Financial Responsibility
Tenant must be able to pay ongoing rent, utilities, and usual monthly expenses by the due date.
Tenant must be able to pay past-due rent above $3,000 or 10% of arrears, whichever is greater.
Income Limit
Tenant’s gross household income must be no more than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). See chart below for details.
Issue Limitation
Nonpayment of rent and other valid charges must be the only issue with the landlord or court.
Landlord Participation
Landlord must agree to participate in the program.
Application Timing
Submit the EDP application at least two weeks before the court hearing date.
EDP Workshop
Tenant must participate in an EDP information workshop prior to applying for assistance.
Rental Assistance Limitation
Tenant must not have received documented rental assistance from another source within the last 12 months.
Required Documentation
Lease Agreement
Payment Ledger
Landlord’s W9
Source of Income Documentation (current pay stubs, benefit letters, etc.)
Benefit Information/Award Letter (SSI, SSDI, TANF, WIC, etc.)
How to Apply
— INITIAL INTAKE & SCREENING
What to Expect if Eligible: Please click here to complete the pre-screening tool.
We’ll review your household size, income, rent amount, and other factors to see if you’re eligible.
— WORKSHOP REQUIREMENT
Attend a Workshop: If qualified, your first step is to complete the EDP information workshop before we can help (see details below).
— NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Counseling: We’ll assess if you need financial or housing counseling once eligibility is determined.
— documentation
Paperwork: We need the required documents listed above and your nonpayment notice or Summons for Unlawful Detainer.
— StAY UPDATED
Communication: We’ll keep you informed about your application status in writing.
Payments to Landlords
How We Pay: If approved, payments to your landlord will be made electronically through Automated Clearing House (ACH).
Class Information
If eligible, your first step is to join one of our live virtual workshops. Topics Include: Financial Management, Fair Housing, Tenant Rights & Responsibilities, and Preventing, Managing & Overcoming an Eviction Lawsuit.
Click the button below to register for the “Virtual: Eviction Diversion Program Workshop.”