Board Approves First Increase in Tenant Relocation Payment since 2004
Increased benefits to cover moving costs
Mandatory for County-funded projects or site plan redevelopments
Promotes affordable housing opportunities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — The Arlington County Board today approved the first increase since 2004 in relocation payments for tenants who are displaced by housing demolition, substantial rehabilitation or conversion from residential to non-residential use. The increase takes effect July 1.
“Needless to say, this increase was needed. Relocation costs have risen in the 12 years since the Board last raised tenant relocation payments,” Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey said. “These payments help low-and-middle income tenants through the often stressful and financially difficult process of relocation.
The Board voted 5 – 0 to approve the increase. Relocation payments are made by property owners and developers. To read the Staff Report on this item, visit the County website. Scroll down to Item #33 on the April Regular County Board Meeting Agenda.
Providing benefits for displaced residents living in Site Plan redevelopments
The fundamental goal of the Tenant Relocation Guidelines is to allow displaced tenants to move directly to decent, safe and affordable replacement housing. Although the guidelines are voluntary for all by-right development projects, they are mandatory under two circumstances:
when the County provides project funding, and/or
when property owners and developers seek site plan approval for redevelopment of residential properties
The payments compensate tenants for moving and moving-related costs such as utility connection and temporary storage fees. The guidelines also include relocation services and advance notice of the planned redevelopment, although no other revisions to the guidelines are being made at this time.
Background
The Tenant-Landlord Commission recommended the increase in 2015. Guided by the Tenant-Landlord Commission’s research and discussion in early 2015, County staff researched average moving costs and expenses for the Northern Virginia region and compared Arlington County’s current schedule to the federal Uniform Relocation Act (URA) payment schedule, Alexandria City, and Fairfax County relocation schedules.
To view the complete schedule of relocation payment increases, for tenants whose verified household incomes are above the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Very Low Income Limits for the area (a household of four earning $54,600, or 50% of the Area Median Income), and for tenants whose verified household incomes are below HUD’s Very Low Income Limits, see the Staff Report on the County website.
The Tenant-Landlord Commission chose not to recommend payment increases for households renting furnished apartments. There is no expected fiscal impact to the County, aside from projects seeking County financing from the Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF).
Arlington Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the “10 miles square” parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation’s Capital. Slightly smaller than 26 square miles, it is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, and one of only a handful with the prized Aaa/AAA/AAA bond rating. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods and quality schools, and has received numerous awards for Smart Growth and transit-oriented development. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world — including the Pentagon — Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
Media Contacts
Gina Wimpey
703-228-3252
