Richmond, Virginia-On February 13th, 2023 City Council members voted to approve Resolution 2023-R006, the Rental Inspection Program. Councilperson Stephanie Lynch-5th District and Councilperson Ann-Frances Lambert-3rd District patroned the resolution to institute a rental inspection program for residential real estate within the City of Richmond. The resolution was adopted and approved by Council with less than 30 days notice to the residents and business owners of Richmond-intentionally silencing our voices. We seek an immediate appeal of the resolution and to have our voices be heard by Council! Tenants have a right to privacy in their homes without the bureaucracy of City inspectors invading and disturbing their home, taking note of their personal effects, and violating their right to quiet enjoyment of their lease.

The bureaucracy of such regulatory burdens will drive up the cost of housing in an already inflated housing market! Codes are already on the books allowing city officials, renters, and property owners alike to report property owners with building code or criminal activity on their property to city enforcement officials. In addition, renters already have recourse actions against slumlords prescribed under the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act. Please sign the petition today and allow your voices to be heard to request that Richmond Virginia City Council appeal the resolution to the Rental Inspection Program!!!