Housing providers in Virginia will soon be traveling back to that most enticing and elusive of times, before the pandemic, at least in terms of the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA). This July 1, the law will largely return to its state pre-pandemic. We will be transitioning back to 5-day pay-or-quit notices, applications to RRP will be on a voluntary basis only, and payment plans (while still recommended) will no longer be mandatory in the VRLTA.

The Hampton Roads Advisory Committee has been working on forming partnerships with area schools and organizations to expand the talent pool in their market. Learn more about their recent success with Norfolk-based nonprofit Eggleston, which assists individuals with disabilities, those who are housing unstable, and previous military with many avenues for community success including on-the-job training and connections with area companies.

The Federal Communications Commission has released an effective date for its Declatory Ruling on broadband competition in multifamily housing. After April 27, 2022, a contract may not be entered by a telecommunications service provider and a multifamily building that would give the building owner compensation on an exclusive or graduated basis. Any existing contracts of this nature must be canceled or replaced by September 26, 2022. 

At the recent NAHB International Builders' Show, experts reviewed the features shaping new multifamily developments in the coming months and years. In addition to more square footage and remote workspaces, renters are looking for convenience and innovation when it comes to amenities. Examples are lobby coffee shops, pet spas, outdoor spaces, robots that deliver food and packages to their doors, and even podcast studios. 

New plans were filed to redevelop a section of Seminole Square shopping center into residential buildings. The former Giant grocery store and parking lot will be used for one mixed-use and two multifamily residential buildings, housing 351 units total. 

Developers are proposing a redevelopment of the Spring Rock Green shopping center, which would include 1,000 apartment homes, 125 townhomes, an ice hockey rink, hotel and commercial space. 

The former site of Motleys headquarters between Scott's Addition and Willow Lawn will be used to build two apartment buildings with a total of 340 units. The land straddles the Richmond-Henrico line, with the majority of the property in Henrico.

The 15-story mixed-use building, planned for a parking lot at the corner of Grace and Foushee Streets, would house 249 apartments. The bottom floors would consist of commercial space and a two-story parking deck. 

The former Saint Gertrude High School campus is slated to be turned into 38 new apartments. The building's footprint will be kept intact, with the interior being renovated into 38 apartments, with the majority being two-bedrooms units. 

The former press building for the Roanoke Times, which was recently sold for $2.2 million, will be renovated into 70 apartments.  

The unfinished DLH Sports Complex off Baker Road will now be demolished to make way for 524 apartments. Plans include two four-story buildings with courtyard, pool, clubhouse, fitness center and more.