No way out: How Virginia law fails vulnerable renters

Floods, roaches, rats, mold — these are just a few of the issues in Charlottesville Tomorrow’s investigation into how Virginia law often fails to protect vulnerable renters. Read the first story in the series below. Lanika Hester had just fallen asleep when a chilling scream woke her. She leapt out of bed and bolted into […]

By: Erin O'Hare, Charlottesville Tomorrow

Outlets: Virginia Mercury

Published: June 11, 2026

Words: 1,184

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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Floods, roaches, rats, mold — these are just a few of the issues in Charlottesville Tomorrow’s investigation into how Virginia law often fails to protect vulnerable renters. Read the first story in the series below.

Lanika Hester had just fallen asleep when a chilling scream woke her.

She leapt out of bed and bolted into the next room, where she found her daughter, Elesia Cooper, doubled over in pain.

“I’m fine Mom, I’m …

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