The proposed bill S.91, introduced by Senator Vyhovsky, seeks to strengthen tenant protections in Vermont by implementing various reforms 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, and limiting no-cause evictions and annual rent increases. The bill also establishes a rental registry and the Office of Tenants Rights Advocate, ensures tenants have the right to legal counsel in eviction proceedings, and allows for the expungement of eviction records. Additionally, it expands discrimination prohibitions to include citizenship and immigration status.

Significant changes include the requirement for landlords to provide detailed written rental agreements, the prohibition of application fees, and the extension of the notice period for terminating tenancies to three months when a property is sold. The bill introduces a cap on rent increases and grants tenants the right to be notified of a landlord's intent to sell a property, allowing them to negotiate for its purchase. It also establishes a Tenant Right to Purchase Down Payment Assistance Program, appropriating $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 to assist tenants and nonprofit organizations in acquiring properties. Furthermore, the bill 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