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Richmond council adopts residential rental inspection ordinance after months of advocacy
Summary
After hours of testimony from tenants, public-health officials and tenant organizers, Richmond City Council voted unanimously to adopt ordinance 2025-161 establishing a district-based residential rental inspection program. Councilmembers emphasized the need for a funded implementation plan with tenant protections to avoid displacement.
Richmond City Council voted to adopt ordinance 2025-161 on Nov. 11, 2025, creating a residential rental inspection program designed to allow periodic, proactive inspections of rental properties within council-designated districts. The ordinance directs city staff to create district boundaries, develop standard operating procedures, and return to council with implementation details, including resources and timelines.
The ordinance follows extensive public testimony. Gwen Otwell, representing Richmond for All, said the program is “essential” to prevent displacement and ensure safe homes: “We cannot have a serious conversation about addressing displacement without also discussing the safety of…
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