(HB1718)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 1718, which creates redundant provisions already covered by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

Existing laws, including the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), already grant localities enforcement authority over both landlords and tenants, ensuring safe and sanitary housing. This bill unnecessarily expands the risk that landlords are subject to suits in equity under their already defined duty to maintain dwellings under the VRLTA.

Under the USBC and the VRLTA, landlords and tenants both have responsibilities to maintain safe, decent, and sanitary housing. This legislation seeks to accomplish something already mandated by state law.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.