Virginia House Democrats Pass Legislation to Protect Affordable Housing

Richmond VA – Today, Virginia House Democrats passed legislation that will help preserve and protect affordable housing. House Bill 4 (HB4) gives local governments the ability to exercise a right of first refusal and purchase affordable housing projects that have previously received state or federal assistance, protecting against rent increases and lowering costs for everyday Virginians.

“In the next few years, over 17,000 affordable housing units are at risk of having rents skyrocket. We have an affordable housing crisis with these units, and cannot afford to lose them. With the passage of HB4, we are taking a major step towards protecting existing affordable housing units from being rented at prices that are out of reach for the Virginians who most need them,” said Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker. “I am proud we have passed this bill to make housing more affordable for Virginia families.”