In this quarterly report, the RVA Eviction Lab presents and analyzes a series of data on eviction and housing instability in Virginia during the fourth quarter of 2021 as well as an overview of 2021 as a whole. As in our previous reports, we compare 2021 quarterly eviction data to pre-pandemic levels, using the 2019 quarterly data as a benchmark. In light of the expiration of the CDC federal eviction moratorium on July 31st,3 we also include the number of unlawful detainers filed in Virginia with a pending hearing date of February 22nd or later. This report is broken down into three scales of analysis: state, region (Central Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Northern Virginia), and city (City of Richmond and City of Charlottesville). Fourth quarter eviction data for every jurisdiction in Virginia is provided in the appendix.

Highlights of 2021’s fourth quarter include:

• U.S. Census survey of Virginia renters not caught up on rent indicate improving levels of housing instability and eviction pressures, with about 28% of households (compared to 52% during the third quarter) fearing eviction in the next two months.
• As of the end of fourth quarter, there were 3,708 pending eviction cases with a hearing date of February 22nd or later.
• In the City of Richmond, eviction filings and judgments remain spatially concentrated in ZIP codes in Southside neighborhoods. The North Side ZIP code 23227 had a default judgment rate of 50% for the fourth quarter and 45% for 2021 (Page 32)During the COVID-19 pandemic (measured Q2 2020 to Q4 2021), 28,892 eviction judgments were issued across the Commonwealth. At the regional scale, there were 5,627 evictions in Central Virginia, 6,989 evictions in Hampton Roads, and 4,265 in Northern Virginia.This quarterly report should be read within the context of the expiring CDC protections and COVID-19, and the ongoing impact of the Commonwealth’s Rent Relief Program. While the number of evictions continues to be low relative to the pre-pandemic levels, both eviction filings and eviction judgments have steadily increased since the Spring of 2021. The relatively slow pace of eviction growth is likely the result of efforts across the Commonwealth from attorneys, community-based organizations and government agencies to prevent evictions. Virginia law requires that landlords apply for rent relief before evicting tenants for non-payment of rent.