The proposed bill S.91, introduced by Senator Vyhovsky, aims to strengthen tenant protections in Vermont by implementing several key provisions related to residential rental agreements and tenant rights. Notably, the bill prohibits the charging of rental application fees, mandates that rental agreements of 12 months or longer be documented in writing with specific terms, and limits no-cause evictions and annual rent increases. It establishes a rental registry and the Office of Tenants Rights Advocate, ensuring tenants have the right to legal counsel during eviction proceedings and allowing for the expungement of eviction records. Additionally, landlords are required to notify tenants of their intent to sell a property, providing tenants the opportunity to negotiate for its purchase.

Significant changes include a cap on rent increases, limiting them to one percent above the U.S. Consumer Price Index or five percent, whichever is lower, and requiring a 90-day notice for any rent increase. The bill also modifies the conditions for terminating tenancies without cause, specifying longer notice periods based on the tenant's residency duration. Furthermore, it introduces a Tenant Right to Purchase Down Payment Assistance Program, appropriating $5,000,000 to assist tenants and nonprofit organizations in purchasing residential properties. The bill expands protections against housing discrimination by including "citizenship" and "immigration status" as protected categories and allocates an additional $4,000,000 for the Office of Tenants Rights Advocate. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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