Burlington, VT Rental Property Rules: Source-of-Income Discrimination (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- 9 V.S.A. Sec. 4503
- Vouchers
- Protected source
- Forum
- VT Human Rights Commission
- Civil penalty
- Up to $10,000
Summary
Vermont's Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act 9 V.S.A. Sec. 4503 prohibits Burlington landlords from refusing tenants based on lawful sources of income, including Section 8 vouchers and public assistance.
§ 4503. Unfair housing practices
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person:
(1) To refuse to sell or rent, or refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling or other real estate to any person because of the race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, religious creed, color, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, or disability of a person, or because a person intends to occupy a dwelling with one or more minor children, or because a person is a recipient of public assistance, or because a person is a victim of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.
(2) To discriminate against, or to harass, any person in the terms, conditions, privileges, and protections of the sale or rental of a dwelling or other real estate, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection with a dwelling or other real estate, because of the race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, religious creed, color, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, or disability of a person, or because a person intends to occupy a dwelling with one or more minor children, or because a person is a recipient of public assistance, or because a person is a victim of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.
(3) To make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or published any notice, statement, or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling or other real estate that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, religious creed, color, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, or disability of a person, or because a person intends to occupy a dwelling with one or more minor children, or because a person is a recipient of public assistance, or because a person is a victim of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.
Full Breakdown
9 V.S.A. Sec. 4503 makes it unlawful to refuse to rent, set different terms, or advertise preferences against any person because of their lawful source of income. This expressly includes Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers, Reach Up benefits, Social Security, and similar programs. The Vermont Human Rights Commission and Burlington's Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging accept complaints. Remedies include compensatory damages, civil penalties, and injunctive orders requiring the landlord to rent to the complainant on equal terms.
Violations & Fines
Discriminatory refusal can trigger Human Rights Commission orders, civil penalties up to $10,000 for first violations, and damages awarded to the complainant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Burlington landlord say no Section 8?
Where do I file a complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burlington
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