Lawsuit Filed Against the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority

RRHA avoids helping its most vulnerable residents, a new lawsuit alleges.

Richmond’s public housing authority systemically overcharged its poorest residents, violating federal law by failing to offer and grant a Hardship Exemption to minimum rent.

Richmond, VA—Today, Vernita Coleman and Jayda James, current and former Richmond public housing residents, filed a lawsuit against the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) alleging that the Authority repeatedly broke federal law by failing to offer a Hardship Exemption to them and others in similar situations who experience a financial hardship. Public housing residents who are unable to access the Hardship Exemption often struggle to borrow funds, go without basic necessities, and in some cases, risk eviction and homelessness. Since 2019, RRHA has granted only one Hardship Exemption despite evidence that hundreds of residents were struggling to pay the minimum rent required by the authority.

Federal law requires that RRHA make this Hardship Exemption immediately available to residents should they experience a financial crisis (or “hardship”). The lawsuit alleges that RRHA does not make its tenants aware of this option. For example, after her son’s death, Ms. Coleman found herself struggling to pay RRHA’s required rent due to her sole source of regular income—her SSI benefits—being suspended. After reporting this to RRHA and completing a worksheet detailing all of her possible income and expenses—proving she had little ability to pay—RRHA did not inform her of the Hardship Exemption.

“I experienced a great loss when my son transitioned, and then I was hit with my benefits being stopped abruptly. With everything I was going through, I could have had some relief if I was made aware that my rent could be covered by a hardship exemption!  It could have helped me greatly,” said Vernita Coleman.  “I am speaking out now because RRHA laws and guidelines should be clear and transparent with not just myself but my entire community. 

The Legal Aid Justice Center, the National Housing Law Project, and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP filed this class action lawsuit on behalf of the named plaintiffs and proposed class.

“I was in such a vulnerable moment, caring for my new baby who had health issues,” said Jayda James. “I wish RRHA had told me about my legal right to be considered for a hardship exemption. It would have made such a huge difference for my baby and me.”

“RRHA is not a typical landlord; they provide a vital service to the Richmond community by providing affordable housing for low-income residents,” said Legal Aid Justice Center Senior Attorney Michaela Ross. “For those most struggling, RRHA should be using every tool it has to keep people housed, including making proper use of the hardship exemption.”

“Poor and working families who live in public housing have the right to pay rent they can afford without fear of eviction, but Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s unlawful and systematic practice of overcharging these tenants has threatened them with homelessness,” said National Housing Law Project Senior Staff Attorney Hannah Adams. “Tenants need urgent action that keeps them in their homes and with the rights they are guaranteed under federal law.”

“Hunton has a long history of supporting Richmond residents with pro bono representation through the George Hettrick Community Law Center in Church Hill, and we are proud to join LAJC and NHLP in representing the residents in this case,” said Trey Sibley, Partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP.

Read the full complaint here