This bill requires landlords in Vermont to clearly advertise which utilities and costs are the tenant's responsibility versus those included in the rent. Landlords must also document this information directly within the residential rental agreement to ensure transparency. Additionally, the bill mandates that landlords provide individual metering for utilities whenever possible, or ensure that tenant utility costs accurately reflect their actual usage. These changes directly affect residential rental agreements by standardizing how utility information is presented and calculated.
This bill allows Vermont municipalities to acquire abandoned residential and commercial properties in designated downtown or village areas through purchase, foreclosure, or fines, then use them for public purposes like medical housing or youth facilities. It also empowers municipalities to enforce housing habitability standards and limit annual rent increases, while restructuring state housing funding to prioritize individual property repairs, first-time homebuyers needing repairs, and senior housing developments with specific features (like housing for medical staff). Additionally, all state-funded housing developments must incorporate universal design, include ADA-compliant units, and give priority to people exiting homelessness for designated units. The bill directly affects local governments, property owners in designated zones, renters, and housing developers seeking state funding.
H 688 reduces eviction timelines and changes procedures for residential rental agreements in Vermont. It shortens required notice periods for landlords (from 14 to 3 days for nonpayment and some breaches), mandates tenants respond to eviction complaints within 5 business days, and eliminates the option to pay partial rent into court. The bill also clarifies that criminal mischief covers leasehold property damage and tightens deadlines for serving writs of possession and handling tenant belongings. These changes directly affect Vermont landlords and tenants involved in eviction proceedings.
H.756 shortens the notice period landlords must give tenants for termination based on criminal activity, drug use, human trafficking, or violence from 30 days to 7 days. It requires landlords to notify housing authorities within 48 hours when terminating a tenant receiving housing assistance, and to alert law enforcement "as soon as practicable" about suspected human trafficking. The bill also mandates defendants in eviction cases respond to complaints within 5 business days and allows expedited hearings for cases involving suspected criminal activity. Additionally, it increases maximum penalties for human trafficking and drug violations in dwellings to 10 years in prison or $500,000 fines, and creates a landlord assistance program for financial support.
H.704 extends and expands Vermont's Tenant Representation Pilot Program, providing free legal representation to eligible tenants facing eviction in Lamoille and Windsor counties. It targets tenants with household income at or below 120% of the state median, rent consuming 30% or more of income, or expenses exceeding income. The program offers full legal representation specifically for eviction cases (not counterclaims) and requires Vermont Legal Aid to report on outcomes, including resolutions through rental assistance programs. Implementation depends on state funding approval for fiscal year 2025.
This bill (S.309) amends Vermont's residential rental laws to protect tenants and clarify landlord obligations. It prohibits landlords from charging application fees (except for nominal credit checks), caps security deposits at two months' rent, and requires specific notice periods for termination (14 days for nonpayment, 30 days for breaches). The bill also creates a confidential "just cause" eviction process and establishes a pilot program through the State Treasurer’s office to allow tenants to report on-time rent payments to credit bureaus, building credit history. These changes directly affect Vermont landlords and tenants in residential rental agreements.
This bill (H 772) updates Vermont's residential rental laws to protect tenants and clarify landlord obligations. It bans application fees for residential rentals, limits security deposits to two months' rent, and requires specific notice periods for evictions (14 days for nonpayment, 21 days for other breaches). The bill also creates a pilot program through the State Treasurer's office to allow tenants to report on-time rent payments to credit bureaus, helping build credit history. These changes directly affect all landlords and tenants in Vermont rental agreements, with additional technical assistance available via the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity.
This bill (H.728) allows landlords in Vermont to obtain a "no trespass" order barring a tenant’s guests or licensees from entering the dwelling unit or its common areas under specific conditions. Landlords may seek such orders if the tenant consents, the guest violated the lease terms, or the guest broke state/federal law on the property. The order can be appealed only through a small claims court action within seven days, with the court’s decision being final. This directly affects landlords, tenants (who control guest access), and guests/licensees who may face trespass restrictions.
S.294 creates Vermont's Whole Home Repairs Program within the Department of Housing and Community Development to provide funding for homeowners and private landlords. The program offers competitive grants and forgivable loans (capped at $50,000 per unit) to address habitability issues (like mold or lead), improve energy/water efficiency, or make homes accessible for people with disabilities. Landlords must contribute 20% in matching funds, cannot displace current tenants during repairs, and are prohibited from using renovated units as short-term rentals during the grant period. All grant details, including recipient names and amounts, will be publicly reported quarterly on the department’s website. This directly affects Vermont residents needing home repairs, particularly low-income households and landlords maintaining rental properties.
This bill requires Vermont's Department of Housing and Community Development to provide free, online resources to help the public establish collective homeownership models. It mandates the department to create and share practical materials - including guides for organization and conflict resolution, standard templates for cooperative housing articles of incorporation, and templates for tenants-in-common agreements. These resources will be made available in a user-friendly format at no cost to residents, community groups, or potential cooperative housing developers. The bill directly affects anyone seeking to form or manage collective ownership housing arrangements under Vermont law. The requirement takes effect July 1, 2026.
