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S 91

An act relating to tenant rights

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tanya Vyhovsky

Strengthen tenant protections with clearer rights, due-process in evictions, secure deposits and disclosures, rent practices limits, and enforceable dispute resolution.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs
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Bill Summary · S 91

Bill Summary: S 91 (Session 2025-2026) — An act relating to tenant rights (Vermont)

Purpose and intent

S 91 is a proposed Vermont act focused on strengthening and clarifying tenant rights within the state. The bill aims to establish specific protections for tenants, address key aspects of the landlord-tenant relationship, and promote fair, transparent, and stable rental housing conditions. The exact statutory language is not provided here, but the bill’s designation as “An act relating to tenant rights” indicates a broad focus on improving tenants’ legal standing and remedies.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by the bill’s title and typical scope of tenant-rights legislation)

  • Housing stability and protections: Likely measures to reduce unlawful evictions, clarify permissible grounds for eviction, and establish due process standards for tenants facing enforcement actions.
  • Security deposits and move-in/move-out terms: Potential rules governing the collection, use, and return of security deposits; timelines for inspections; and deductions for damages beyond normal wear.
  • Rent and payment practices: Possible prohibitions or limits on late fees, requirements for notice when rent is increased, and protections against retaliatory rent increases.
  • Right to information and transparency: Provisions requiring landlords to provide clear lease terms, disclosures about property conditions, and information on rights and remedies available to tenants.
  • Habitability and repair standards: Requirements ensuring rental properties meet basic health and safety standards, with timelines for repairs and remedies if landlords fail to address defects.
  • Dispute resolution and enforcement: Mechanisms for resolving tenant-landlord disputes, which may include access to mediation, and enforcement provisions with penalties for violations of the act.
  • Parking, utilities, and service provisions (if applicable): Clarifications of tenant responsibilities and landlord obligations related to utilities, common areas, and additional services.

Who would be affected

  • Tenants and tenant households: Primary beneficiaries, gaining clearer protections against unfair practices, improved process for enforcement actions, and better information about rights.
  • Landlords and property owners/operators: Subject to new or clarified requirements (notice, disclosure, repair, and dispute-resolution processes) that could affect operating practices and compliance costs.
  • Property managers and housing providers: Likewise affected by standardized rules and procedures governing rental agreements and maintenance obligations.
  • Local housing authorities and courts: May see increased involvement in enforcing tenant protections and handling related disputes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was read in the 1st reading and referred to the Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs on February 26, 2025.
  • Committee process: As of the most recent action history, the bill has not yet advanced beyond committee review. Action in committee will determine potential amendments, fiscal impact considerations, and scheduling for floor debate.
  • Sponsor information: Co-sponsored by Tanya Vyhovsky, indicating legislative support and potential advocacy alignment with tenant-rights priorities.

Fiscal and implementation considerations (not specified in provided text)

  • The committee will assess budgetary impact, including potential costs to state agencies, local governments, and housing programs.
  • Implementation timelines (e.g., effective date after passage) and any phased rollout would be addressed in the final bill text or committee amendments.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include hypothetical scenarios, compare to existing Vermont tenant protections, or incorporate specific statutory references once the bill’s full text becomes available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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