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Vermont Statewide Rule

Vermont Rental Housing Health & Safety and Registry

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Vermont (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
20 V.S.A. chapter 172
Enabling act
Act 181 of 2022
Administrator
Division of Fire Safety
Registry
Statewide rental registration
Local programs
Continue alongside state
Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Vermont General Assembly

Summary

Vermont's rental housing health and safety program moved to the Division of Fire Safety under Act 181 of 2022, codified at 20 V.S.A. chapter 172. Landlords must register rental units in the statewide rental housing registry and meet the state health and safety code.

The Commissioner of Public Safety may adopt rules to prescribe standards for the health, safety, sanitation, and fitness for habitation of rental housing that the Commissioner determines are necessary to protect the public, property owners, and property against harm.

Source: Vermont General AssemblyView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Act 181 of 2022, codified at 20 V.S.A. chapter 172, the Department of Public Safety's Division of Fire Safety administers rental housing health and safety statewide and maintains a statewide rental housing registry. Owners of residential rentals must register their units and comply with the Residential Rental Housing Health and Safety Code. The Division runs a complaint-driven inspection system and issues written inspection reports with correction timelines. Local rental inspection and registration programs, such as those in Burlington and Winooski, continue to operate alongside the state program.

Violations & Penalties

Failing to register or comply with the Residential Rental Housing Health and Safety Code under 20 V.S.A. chapter 172 can result in inspection orders, correction requirements, and enforcement by the Division of Fire Safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the state registry replace local rental registration?
No. Municipalities like Burlington and Winooski keep local programs. Landlords must complete the state registration and any applicable local registration.
Who runs Vermont's rental housing registry?
The Division of Fire Safety within the Department of Public Safety, under Act 181 of 2022 and 20 V.S.A. chapter 172, not the Department of Housing and Community Development.
What must I do as a landlord?
Register your rental units in the statewide registry and keep them compliant with the Residential Rental Housing Health and Safety Code.

Sources

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