Virginia’s Rent and Mortgage Relief Program, which first launched at the end of June with $50 million in federal CARES Act funding to assist households facing eviction or foreclosure due to COVID-19, has been expanded, according to a release last week from Gov. Ralph Northam’s office.

Landlords can now apply to receive financial assistance for current and past-due rental payments dating to April 1, 2020 on behalf of their tenants who qualify for the relief program. This new application is available in addition to the existing tenant-based application.

Current state and federal eviction protections through the courts do not prevent rent and mortgage payments from accumulating. Virginia is focused on helping eligible households and property owners access resources to maintain housing stability during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future, the release stated. Virginians are encouraged to act quickly and work with their landlord or lending institution to understand their rights an...