The bill H.242 aims to regulate short-term rentals in Vermont by introducing specific operational restrictions, including host-occupancy and numerical limits. It defines a short-term rental as a dwelling rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days and for more than 14 days per calendar year. A new definition for "long-term resident" is also added, referring to individuals whose primary residence is on the same premises as the short-term rental. The bill stipulates that a long-term resident must reside on the premises where the short-term rental is offered, and that no more than one short-term rental can be rented per parcel.

Additionally, the bill allows municipalities to exempt short-term rentals from these operational restrictions through a majority vote. It establishes a registration requirement for short-term rental owners to submit detailed information to the Department of Housing and Community Development annually. The bill also clarifies that municipalities with existing regulations as of July 1, 2025, will be considered to have opted out of the new restrictions without needing to hold a vote. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-4301