Bill H.399 aims to strengthen tenant protections in Vermont by implementing various measures related to residential rental agreements and tenant rights. Key provisions include designating the charging of rental application fees as an unfair commercial practice, requiring written rental agreements for leases of 12 months or longer that outline specific terms, and limiting no-cause evictions and annual rent increases. The bill proposes the creation of a rental registry and the Office of Tenants Rights Advocate, ensuring tenants have the right to legal counsel in eviction proceedings and the ability to expunge eviction records. Additionally, it expands discrimination prohibitions in housing to include citizenship and immigration status.

The bill introduces significant legal changes, such as mandating landlords to provide detailed written rental agreements and prohibiting the charging of application fees or the request for Social Security numbers during the application process. It limits rent increases to a maximum of one percent above the U.S. Consumer Price Index or five percent, whichever is lower, and requires landlords to notify tenants of any rent increases at least 90 days in advance. Furthermore, it establishes a Tenant Right to Purchase Down Payment Assistance Program, appropriating $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 to assist tenants and nonprofits in purchasing residential properties. The bill also allocates an additional $4,000,000 for the Office of Tenants Rights Advocate and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 9-137, 9-4501, 9-4502, 9-4503