Virginia recently adopted a version of Miya’s Law, mandating employee background checks and the regulation of master key usage in apartment complexes. This law mirrors legislation first introduced in Florida and is part of the ongoing efforts by Miya’s family and supporters to enhance renter safety and ensure that her legacy leads to positive change in communities across the United States.
Here’s a concise summary of the new law’s provisions:
Effective Date: January 1, 2024.
Key Points:
Requires landlords who own more than four rental dwelling units (or more than a 10 percent interest in more than four rental dwelling units) to:
Fingerprint and Background Check: Mandate all employees and applicants for employment to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information. This information is forwarded, along with the employee’s or applicant’s fingerprints, through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The purpose is to obtain criminal history record information regarding such employee or applicant.
Disqualification Criteria: Allows landlords to disqualify from employment any person who has been convicted of, found guilty of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a violent crime committed in any jurisdiction, regardless of adjudication.
Key Management Policies: Requires landlords to:
- Establish written policies and procedures for the storage, management, access, and return of all keys for each rental dwelling unit.
- Regulate the secure storage of and access to unissued keys.
- Maintain a written log for the issuance and return of all keys.
Quarterly Reporting: All relevant landlords must submit certain information on a quarterly basis to the Department of Housing and Community Development to prove compliance with the outlined provisions.
Enhancing Renter Safety Through Secure Key Management
HandyTrac plays a pivotal role in assisting multifamily communities with Miya’s Law by offering a robust and compliant electronic key management system. Features including biometric verification, ensuring only authorized personnel access keys, and an automated audit trail that logs every key transaction not only streamline adherence to the law’s background check and master key protocols, but also significantly boost resident security.
Additional features that make HandyTrac an indispensable tool for enhancing community safety and security include:
Real-Time Reporting: Offers immediate access to key management data, allowing for quick responses to any security concerns.
Built-in Door Alarm: Alerts staff immediately if unauthorized access is attempted, further securing the premises.
Customizable Access Levels: Allows for the tailoring of access permissions, ensuring that employees only have access to keys as needed for their role.
Through HandyTrac, communities can achieve a higher standard of safety, making it an essential tool in the wake of new legislative requirements. To learn more about our systems and services, contact us today.
