In Virginia, tens of thousands of eviction cases are filed each year, and many tenants never get a chance to defend themselves in court. We’re working to help them with self-representation resources while challenging unjust laws, discriminatory systems, and power dynamics because everyone deserves a fair chance to stay housed.
Our work in this area includes:
Legal Help for Tenants Facing Eviction
The Eviction Defense Center (EDC) provides free legal support to help renters understand their rights and respond to eviction lawsuits. Our goal is to ensure that tenants have access to justice, whether through legal representation or self-help tools. We support tenants by:
- Providing resources and toolkits for tenants to understand the law and defend their rights in court.
- Connecting tenants with local legal aid organizations and referrals.
Policy Change and Systemic Reform
Our housing advocacy team works to reform laws and systems that disproportionately impact low-income renters. Our focus is on creating long-term, structural change that protects tenants and strengthens housing stability statewide. Our policy team works to:
- Expand tenant protections and access to legal representation.
- Improve enforcement of health and safety codes in rental housing.
- Advance fair court procedures and reduce barriers to justice.
- Collaborate with grassroots organizations to amplify tenant voices.
- Share updates and resources through in-person events
Shaping the Future of Housing Justice
We’re listening and always identifying new challenges—and new solutions—to advance housing justice across Virginia. Our team explores emerging legal issues and advocates for policies that address root causes of housing instability. Our current and upcoming initiatives include:
- Exploring new protections for renters in informal housing or lease-free arrangements.
- Piloting programs that center resident voice in redevelopment decisions.
- Researching racial disparities in eviction trends and access to legal counsel.
- Collaborating with grassroots partners to identify community-driven policy solutions.
Our Housing Advocacy Team
Fighting for Tenants, Online
Featured:
VPLC’s Eviction Defense Center
The Eviction Defense Center (EDC) is a website project of VPLC's. Especially for tenants who do not get direct help from their local Legal Aid, the EDC provides crucial information and simple, effective legal tools that tenants can use to understand the law and defend their rights in court.
View the site
