Bill > H0462

This bill amends the charter of the City of Burlington to authorize the City Council to create an ordinance establishing "just cause" protections for residential tenants against eviction. The proposed ordinance would define "just cause" for eviction as including material lease breaches, violations of tenant statutes, nonpayment of rent, and failure to accept reasonable lease renewal terms. The bill specifically prohibits rental agreement expiration alone as a valid reason for eviction and provides exemptions for certain property types like owner-occupied duplexes and triplexes, properties being withdrawn from the rental market, and properties needing substantial renovations. The ordinance must also include provisions to mitigate potential negative impacts on tenants and property owners, such as requiring adequate notice, reasonable relocation expenses, a probationary period after initial occupancy, and limitations on unreasonable rent increases that could effectively force tenants out. The bill, which was voter-approved on March 2, 2021, takes effect immediately upon passage and aims to provide stronger tenant protections in the City of Burlington by establishing clear standards for when a residential tenant can be legally evicted.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.462