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Eviction diversion Program
 
 
 

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

  • Tenant must live in the City of Richmond.

Nonpayment Notice

  • Tenant must have received a written nonpayment notice or a Summons for Unlawful Detainer.

Financial Responsibility

  • Tenant must be able to pay ongoing rent, utilities, and usual monthly expenses by the due date.

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.

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 publicly-funded source within the last 12 months.

Required Documentation

  • From Tenant:

    • Proof of Income for past 30 days (pay stubs, job offer letter, etc.)

      • If you receive public benefits, please include award letters (SSI, SSDI, TANF, WIC, SNAP, etc.)

    • Bank Statements for past 30 days (checking/savings account, credit card statement, Cashapp / Venmo / Chime, etc.)

    • Hardship Letter (brief explanation of circumstances to help us understand your needs)

  • If enrolled, SCDHC will request the following from the landlord:

    • Lease Agreement

    • Payment Ledger

How to Apply

— WORKSHOP REQUIREMENT

Attend a Workshop: Your first step is to complete the EDP information workshop before we can help (see details and link to registration below).

— INITIAL INTAKE & SCREENING

Intake Application Provided at the End of the Workshop

We’ll review your household size, income, rent amount, and other factors to see if you’re eligible.

 

— documentation

Paperwork: We need the required documents listed above and your nonpayment notice or Summons for Unlawful Detainer.

— NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Counseling: We’ll assess if you need financial or housing counseling once eligibility is determined.

— 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.”

REGISTER HERE