Story
Justice in Real Life: Lena
When tenants say enough is enough.
In downtown Richmond, Lena Rivera is trying to organize her neighbors into a tenants union. Her building, a converted factory with historic charm, is also home to frustrating—and potentially unlawful—management practices.
One issue stands out: a $16.50 monthly charge added to every tenant’s rent, labeled as a liability insurance fee. But the policy isn’t for the tenants—it protects the property management company.
“They count on us not reading the fine print,” Lena says.
That’s not the only concern. For two months, tenants have dealt with repeated power outages caused by a faulty breaker. Without refrigeration, their groceries have rotted. Others can’t sleep because medical devices like CPAPs won’t run without electricity.
“Most people won’t complain,” Lena says. “They’re just told to move out. But moving is expensive. If we’re forced to leave, they should be the ones to pay for it.”
Instead of answers, tenants have had to reach out to the city fire marshal and building inspector on their own. “We aren’t stupid,” Lena says.
People expect us to be ignorant and blinded by legal documents. They just see us as dollar signs.
Lena Rivera
Virginia Poverty Law Center works to hold landlords accountable, fight unlawful fees and living conditions, and expand protections for renters. This includes identifying and challenging “junk fees” hidden in leases—charges that may be misleading, excessive, or outright illegal. VPLC supports tenants across Virginia through policy advocacy, legal expertise, statewide Know Your Rights and Tenant Town Hall workshops, and self-help materials provided through the Eviction Defense Center.
Justice in Real Life is a photography and storytelling campaign launched by VPLC in 2025. It shares real stories from Virginians facing poverty and injustice, highlighting their struggles and the changes we’re advocating for. Want to tell your story? Contact VPLC Communications Director Connie Stevens, connie@vplc.org.
