Richmond Housing Authority rated 'troubled' by HUD after failing score

The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) has been labeled 'troubled' by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), according to WRIC 8News and NBC12 reports. This designation follows a failing score in RRHA's latest evaluation under HUD's Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS).

HUD's interim PHAS report, published September 25, 2026, gave RRHA an overall score of 58 out of 100, placing it in the troubled category. The score reflects assessments across four categories: physical conditions, financial performance, management, and capital fund operations. Management was the lowest-scoring area, with only 7 out of 25 possible points. While RRHA scored well in timeliness of capital fund obligations, it received no points for occupancy rate despite a 91.39% rate.

Recent internal developments at RRHA reveal additional challenges. According to richmond.com, board member resignations and withdrawals have occurred amid internal disputes. The CEO reversed a prior commitment regarding transparency, stating the Richmond Development Corporation is not subject to public records or open meeting laws. Resident complaints include maintenance delays and unaddressed reports of staff misconduct.

Maintenance issues have been documented, with records showing work orders for 'no hot water' peaking months before a December heating system failure that affected services. The mayor has suggested appointing city officials to the board of RRHA's nonprofit subsidiary, though the board chair indicated the CEO still has majority support. Critics remain concerned about potential privatization moves and their impact on residents.

The HUD designation and ongoing internal issues highlight significant challenges facing Richmond's public housing authority, with implications for residents and local governance.

What we're watching: How RRHA and city officials will respond to HUD's troubled designation and address resident concerns moving forward.