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Bill

H 946

An act relating to the advertisement and costs of utilities under a residential rental agreement

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kate Logan

Vermont bill requiring landlords to clearly disclose and advertise utility costs and details in residential rental agreements to help tenants make informed leasing decisions.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing
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Bill Summary · H 946

Legislative bill overview

H 946 regulates how utility costs are advertised and disclosed in Vermont residential rental agreements. The bill establishes requirements for landlords to clearly communicate utility expenses and related information to prospective tenants before they sign a lease.

Why is this important

Renters often face unexpected utility bills that significantly impact their housing affordability, sometimes discovering only after signing a lease that utilities are not included or are unusually expensive. Clear upfront disclosure helps prospective tenants make informed housing decisions and reduces disputes between landlords and tenants over utility costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord compliance burden: Landlords may face administrative costs and potential liability if utility estimates are inaccurate or if market conditions change between advertising and occupancy
  • Disclosure specificity: Disputes may arise over how detailed utility information must be (estimated costs, historical usage data, supplier rates) and whether landlords can be held responsible for utility companies' rate changes
  • Market competitiveness: Requiring detailed cost disclosures could disadvantage some rental properties or require landlords to update advertisements frequently if utility rates fluctuate

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

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