Vermont Statewide Rule

Vermont Rental Housing Health & Safety and Registry

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Vermont (2026)

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.

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

Source: Vermont General Assembly

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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