Over a year after a new method to ensure housing is safe and up to code was approved by City Council, local tenants and housing advocates are calling for further action.

The Richmond chapter of Virginia Organizing held a press conference Tuesday afternoon outside City Hall alongside local residents, where they called on city leaders to finish developing a rental inspection program.

With chants echoing through the streets and brightly colored signs in hand, tenants described the poor living conditions they continue to endure, urging city officials to step in and hold landlords accountable for maintaining quality living conditions and providing housing support.

“The city needs to step in and support us,” said South Side resident Kim Taylor, who re- counted being shocked by a broken electrical socket and dealing with ceiling bubbles caused by roof leaks. “We want a rental inspection program now.”

If implemented, the program would mandate safety inspections of housing units within designated rental inspection areas across the city. Organizers say it would benefit residents across various income levels and tenants insist it is sorely needed.

“When you have a house that has mold, roach-infested, mice-infested, you have to worry about your child’s health and your health,” Jackson Ward resident Marquetta Fisher said. “This inspection program needs to be put in place ASAP, not next year. People need help now.”

The program was adopted by City Council in February last year as part of a resolution introduced by Stephanie Lynch, 5th District, with the latest update on its development occurring in November, according to Ladelle McWhorter of Virginia Organizing’s Richmond chapter.

“The Council of the City of Richmond believes that it would be in the best interest of the city of Richmond, and especially those tenants residing in rental units not subject to inspection as a result of funding by federal housing programs,” the resolution reads, “for the Council to adopt and implement a program that establishes one or more rental inspection districts and requires inspection of residential rental dwelling units within such districts.”

In the time since the resolution’s approval, problems have persisted for many tenants, particularly in low-income housing and apartments, with landlords failing to address these issues when they are raised.

As Fisher noted, the problems created by these housing issues extend beyond tenants’ living situations. Their inability to sleep safely in their homes can also affect their work performance, ability to provide for their family and community contributions.

She said it also could lead to or exacerbate health issues, adding further personal and financial costs to tenants.

“If you’re not healthy, then you can’t work. If you can’t work, then you can’t give back to the community.

If you’re in school, you can’t study,” Fisher said. “Everyone deserves a good dwelling.”

The conference came hours before a City Council meeting Tuesday evening, where the need for movement on the program was one of many housing concerns highlighted during the public comment period by a member of New Virginia Majority.

The program is currently under review by the Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Standing Committee and may be discussed at their next meeting on Tuesday. Requests for comment from the committee and other relevant city offices were not answered before publication.