Alexandria Backs Rent Moratorium During Coronavirus Crisis

OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA, VA — In a symbolic resolution passed this week, the Alexandria city council threw its support behind freezing rent and mortgage payments for residents who are struggling during the coronavirus crisis. The resolution appeals directly Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, asking him "to address the rental crisis through whatever powers or influence he may have."

It's not clear what powers, precisely, the governor could call on to make the resolution a reality. In its introduction, the resolution carefully summarizes its requests as "a potential moratorium" on rent and mortgage payments, as well as a suspension of "negative credit information by credit bureaus."

But the rest of the text reads as a much bolder request. The governor, the resolution continues, should ensure that "no resident who has lost income should be required to pay rent during this public health emergency, nor should they accumulate debt for unpaid rent."

Last month, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson penned a letter to landlords appealing to for their help during the crisis. Wilson outlined a plan for a voluntary arrangement between landlords and tenants who are facing layoffs and furloughs, and floated additional suggestions to use supplemental funding to support rental assistance and eviction prevention services.

The council resolution passed this week notes that Virginia ranks third in terms of unemployment claims in the country, and adds that "thousands of Alexandria residents are facing unemployment and underemployment."

Alexandria is just latest city to turn to its governor for relief on rent and mortgage payments. In March, the Seattle City Council voted through a (similarly nonbinding) resolution addressed to Washington governor Jay Inslee. It was followed by two more symbolic council resolutions passed this month in Boston and Denver.

Here in Virginia, Governor Northam hasn't made any public comments about the requests rent moratoriums. Last week, Northam proposed a legislative amendment that would grant Virginians behind on rent or mortgage a 60-day grace period before eviction or foreclosure.