reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
9 V.S.A. § 4452
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4452. Exclusions

§ 4452. Exclusions|Unless created to avoid the application of this chapter, this chapter does not apply to any of the following:  (1) occupancy at a public or private institution, operated for the purpose of providing medical, geriatric, educational, counseling, religious, or similar service; (2) occupancy under a contract of sale of a dwelling unit or the property of which it is a part, if the occupant is the purchaser or a person who succeeds to the interest of the purchaser; (3) occupancy by a member of a fraternal, social, or religious organization in the portion of a building operated for the benefit of the organization; (4) transient occupancy in a hotel, motel, or lodgings during the time the occupancy is subject to a tax levied under 32 V.S.A. chapter 225; (5) occupancy by the owner of a condominium unit or the holder of a proprietary lease in a cooperative; (6) rental of a mobile home lot governed by 10 V.S.A. chapter 153; (7) transient residence in a campground, which for the purposes of this chapter means any property used for seasonal or short-term vacation or recreational purposes on which are located cabins, tents, or lean-tos, or campsites designed for temporary set-up of portable or mobile camping, recreational, or travel dwelling units, including tents, campers, and recreational vehicles such as motor homes, travel trailers, truck campers, and van campers; (8) transient occupancy in a hotel, motel, or lodgings during the time the occupant is a recipient of General Assistance or Emergency Assistance temporary housing assistance, regardless of whether the occupancy is subject to a tax levied under 32 V.S.A. chapter 225; (9) occupancy of a dwelling unit without right or permission by a person who is not a tenant; or (10) transient occupancy by an occupant placed in a hotel, motel, or lodgings in connection with health care treatment or recovery, where the occupancy is paid for by a hospital as licensed in 18 V.S.A. chapter 43, an agency designated pursuant to 18 V.S.A. § 8907, or a specialized service agency operating under an agreement entered into pursuant to 18 V.S.A. § 8912, regardless of whether the occupant is subject to a tax levied under 32 V.S.A. chapter 225. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1987, No. 116, § 1; 1987, No. 252 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2007, No. 196 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2015, No. 58, § E.321.3; 2015, No. 126 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2019, No. 177 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. October. 12, 2020.)
9 V.S.A. § 4453
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4453. Obligations implied

§ 4453. Obligations implied|Obligations imposed on landlords and tenants under this chapter shall be implied in all rental agreements. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
9 V.S.A. § 4454
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4454. Attempt to circumvent

§ 4454. Attempt to circumvent|No rental agreement shall contain any provision that attempts to circumvent or circumvents obligations and remedies established by this chapter and any such provision shall be unenforceable and void. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
9 V.S.A. § 4455
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4455. Tenant obligations; payment of rent

§ 4455. Tenant obligations; payment of rent|(a) Rent is payable without demand or notice at the time and place agreed upon by the parties.(b) An increase in rent shall take effect on the first day of the rental period following no less than 60 days' actual notice to the tenant. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
9 V.S.A. § 4456
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4456. Tenant obligations; use and maintenance of dwelling unit

§ 4456. Tenant obligations; use and maintenance of dwelling unit|(a) The tenant shall not create or contribute to the noncompliance of the dwelling unit with applicable provisions of building, housing, and health regulations.(b) The tenant shall conduct himself or herself and require other persons on the premises with the tenant's consent to conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb other tenants' peaceful enjoyment of the premises.(c) The tenant shall not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, or remove any part of the premises or its fixtures, mechanical systems, or furnishings or deliberately or negligently permit any person to do so.(d) Unless inconsistent with a written rental agreement or otherwise provided by law, a tenant may terminate a tenancy by actual notice given to the landlord at least one rental payment period prior to the termination date specified in the notice.(e) If a tenant acts in violation of this section, the landlord is entitled to recover damages, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees, and the violation shall be grounds for termination under subsection 4467(b) of this title. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
9 V.S.A. § 4456a
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4456a. Residential rental application fees; prohibited

§ 4456a. Residential rental application fees; prohibited|A landlord or a landlord's agent shall not charge an application fee to any individual in order to apply to enter into a rental agreement for a residential dwelling unit. This section shall not be construed to prohibit a person from charging a fee to a person in order to apply to rent commercial or nonresidential property. (Added 1999, No. 115 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)
9 V.S.A. § 4456b
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4456b. Subleases; landlord and tenant rights and obligations

§ 4456b. Subleases; landlord and tenant rights and obligations|(a)(1) A landlord may condition or prohibit subleasing a dwelling unit under the terms of a written rental agreement and may require a tenant to provide written notice of the name and contact information of any sublessee occupying the dwelling unit.  (2) If the terms of a written rental agreement prohibit subleasing the dwelling unit, the landlord or tenant may bring an action for ejectment pursuant to 12 V.S.A. §§ 4761 and 4853b against a person that is occupying the dwelling unit without right or permission. This subdivision (2) shall not be construed to limit the rights and remedies available to a landlord pursuant to this chapter.   (b) In the absence of a written rental agreement, a tenant shall provide the landlord with written notice of the name and contact information of any sublessee occupying the dwelling unit. (Added 2015, No. 126 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)
9 V.S.A. § 4457
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4457. Landlord obligations; habitability

§ 4457. Landlord obligations; habitability|(a) Warranty of habitability. In any residential rental agreement, the landlord shall be deemed to covenant and warrant to deliver over and maintain, throughout the period of the tenancy, premises that are safe, clean, and fit for human habitation and that comply with the requirements of applicable building, housing, and health regulations.(b) Waiver. No rental agreement shall contain any provision by which the tenant waives the protections of the implied warranty of habitability. Any such waiver shall be deemed contrary to public policy and shall be unenforceable and void.(c) Heat and water. As part of the implied warranty of habitability, the landlord shall ensure that the dwelling unit has heating facilities that are capable of safely providing a reasonable amount of heat. Every landlord who provides heat as part of the rental agreement shall at all times supply a reasonable amount of heat to the dwelling unit. The landlord shall provide an adequate amount of water to each dwelling unit properly connected with hot and cold water lines. The hot water lines shall be connected with supplied water-heating facilities that are capable of heating sufficient water to permit an adequate amount to be drawn. This subsection shall not apply to a dwelling unit intended and rented for summer occupancy or as a hunting camp. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
9 V.S.A. § 4458
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4458. Habitability; tenant remedies

§ 4458. Habitability; tenant remedies|(a) If the landlord fails to comply with the landlord's obligations for habitability and, after receiving actual notice of the noncompliance from the tenant, a governmental entity or a qualified independent inspector, the landlord fails to make repairs within a reasonable time and the noncompliance materially affects health and safety, the tenant may:  (1) withhold the payment of rent for the period of the noncompliance; (2) obtain injunctive relief; (3) recover damages, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees; and (4) terminate the rental agreement on reasonable notice.   (b) Tenant remedies under this section are not available if the noncompliance was caused by the negligent or deliberate act or omission of the tenant or a person on the premises with the tenant's consent. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1999, No. 115 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.)
9 V.S.A. § 4459
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4459. Minor defects; repair and deduct

§ 4459. Minor defects; repair and deduct|(a) If within 30 days of notice, the landlord fails to repair a minor defect in order to comply with this chapter or a material provision of the rental agreement, the tenant may repair the defect and deduct from the rent the actual and reasonable cost of the work, not to exceed one-half of one month's rent. The tenant shall provide the landlord with actual notice of the cost of the repair when the cost is deducted from the rent.(b) The tenant remedies under this section are not available if the noncompliance was caused by the negligent or deliberate act or omission of the tenant or a person on the premises with the tenant's consent. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
9 V.S.A. § 4460
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4460. Access

§ 4460. Access|(a) A landlord may enter the dwelling unit with the tenant's consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.(b) A landlord may also enter the dwelling unit for the following purposes between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. on no less than 48 hours' notice:  (1) when necessary to inspect the premises; (2) to make necessary or agreed repairs, alterations, or improvements; (3) to supply agreed services; or (4) to exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors.   (c) A landlord may only enter the dwelling unit without consent or notice when the landlord has a reasonable belief that there is imminent danger to any person or to property. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
9 V.S.A. § 4461
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4461. Security deposits

§ 4461. Security deposits|(a) A security deposit is any advance, deposit, or prepaid rent, however named, which is refundable to the tenant at the termination or expiration of the tenancy. The function of a security deposit is to secure the performance of a tenant's obligations to pay rent and to maintain a dwelling unit.(b) The landlord may retain all or a portion of the security deposit for:  (1) nonpayment of rent; (2) damage to property of the landlord, unless the damage is the result of normal wear and tear or the result of actions or events beyond the control of the tenant; (3) nonpayment of utility or other charges that the tenant was required to pay directly to the landlord or to a utility; and (4) expenses required to remove from the rental unit articles abandoned by the tenant.   (c) A landlord shall return the security deposit along with a written statement itemizing any deductions to a tenant within 14 days from the date on which the landlord discovers that the tenant vacated or abandoned the dwelling unit or the date the tenant vacated the dwelling unit, provided the landlord received notice from the tenant of that date. In the case of the seasonal occupancy and rental of a dwelling unit not intended as a primary residence, the security deposit and written statement shall be returned within 60 days.(d) The landlord shall comply with this section by hand-delivering or mailing the statement and any payment required to the last known address of the tenant.(e) If a landlord fails to return the security deposit with a statement within 14 days, the landlord forfeits the right to withhold any portion of the security deposit. If the failure is willful, the landlord shall be liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs.(f) Upon termination of the landlord's interest in the dwelling unit, the security deposit shall be transferred to the new landlord. The new landlord shall give the tenant actual notice of the new landlord's name and address with a statement that the security deposit has been transferred to the new landlord.(g) A town or municipality may adopt an ordinance governing security deposits on dwellings. The ordinance shall be supplemental to and not inconsistent with the minimum protections of the provisions of this section. The ordinance may not limit how a security deposit is held. The ordinance may authorize the payment of interest on a security deposit. The ordinance may provide that a housing board of review constituted pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 5005 may hear and decide disputes related to security deposits upon request for a hearing by a landlord or tenant. The board's actions shall be reviewable under 24 V.S.A. § 5006. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1987, No. 116, § 2; 1991, No. 229 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 45.)
9 V.S.A. § 4462
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4462. Abandonment; unclaimed property

§ 4462. Abandonment; unclaimed property|(a) A tenant has abandoned a dwelling unit if:  (1) there are circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the dwelling unit is no longer occupied as a full-time residence; (2) rent is not current; and (3) the landlord has made reasonable efforts to ascertain the tenant's intentions.   (b) If the tenant abandons the dwelling unit, the tenant shall remain liable for rent until the expiration of the rental agreement. However, if the landlord rents the dwelling unit before the expiration of the rental agreement, the agreement terminates on the date of the new tenancy.(c)(1) If any property, except trash, garbage, or refuse, is unclaimed by a tenant who has abandoned a dwelling unit, the landlord shall give written notice to the tenant mailed to the tenant's last known address that the landlord intends to dispose of the property after 60 days if the tenant has not claimed the property and paid any reasonable storage and other fees incurred by the landlord. The landlord shall place the property in a safe, dry, secured location, but may dispose of any trash, garbage, or refuse left by the tenant. The tenant may claim the property by providing the landlord with the following within 60 days after the date of the notice:   (A) a reasonable written description of the property; and (B) payment of the fair and reasonable cost of storage and any related reasonable expenses incurred by the landlord.  (2) If the tenant does not claim the property within the required time, the property shall become the property of the landlord. If the tenant claims the property within the required time, the landlord shall immediately make the property available to the tenant at a reasonable place and the tenant shall take possession of the property at that time and place.   (d) Any personal property remaining in the dwelling unit or leased premises after the tenant has vacated may be disposed of by the landlord without notice or liability to the tenant or owner of the personal property, provided that one of the following has occurred:  (1) The tenant provided actual notice to the landlord that the tenant has vacated the dwelling unit or leased premises. (2) The tenant has vacated the dwelling unit or leased premises at the end of the rental agreement. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1999, No. 115 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 46.)
9 V.S.A. § 4463
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4463. Illegal evictions

§ 4463. Illegal evictions|(a) No landlord may willfully cause, directly or indirectly, the interruption or termination of any utility service being supplied to the tenant, except for temporary interruptions for emergency repairs.(b) No landlord may directly or indirectly deny a tenant access to and possession of the tenant's rented or leased premises, except through proper judicial process.(c) No landlord may directly or indirectly deny a tenant access to and possession of the tenant's property, except through proper judicial process. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
9 V.S.A. § 4464
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4464. Remedies for illegal evictions

§ 4464. Remedies for illegal evictions|(a) Any tenant who sustains damage or injury as a result of an illegal eviction may bring an action for injunctive relief, damages, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees.(b) A court may award reasonable attorney's fees to the landlord if, upon motion and hearing, it is determined that the action was not brought in good faith and was frivolous or intended for harassment only. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
9 V.S.A. § 4465
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4465. Retaliatory conduct prohibited

§ 4465. Retaliatory conduct prohibited|(a) A landlord of a residential dwelling unit may not retaliate by establishing or changing terms of a rental agreement or by bringing or threatening to bring an action against a tenant who:  (1) has complained to a governmental agency charged with responsibility for enforcement of a building, housing, or health regulation of a violation applicable to the premises materially affecting health and safety; (2) has complained to the landlord of a violation of this chapter; or (3) has organized or become a member of a tenant's union or similar organization.   (b) If the landlord acts in violation of this section, the tenant is entitled to recover damages and reasonable attorney's fees and has a defense in any retaliatory action for possession.(c) If a landlord serves notice of termination of tenancy on any grounds other than for nonpayment of rent within 90 days after notice by any municipal or State governmental entity that the premises are not in compliance with applicable health or safety regulations, there is a rebuttable presumption that any termination by the landlord is in retaliation for the tenant having reported the noncompliance. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 47.)
9 V.S.A. § 4468
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4468. Termination of tenancy; action for possession

§ 4468. Termination of tenancy; action for possession|If the tenant remains in possession after termination of the rental agreement without the express consent of the landlord, the landlord may bring an action for possession, damages, and costs under 12 V.S.A. chapter 169, subchapter 3. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
9 V.S.A. § 4471
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4471. Definitions

§ 4471. Definitions|As used in this subchapter:  (1) "Abuse" has the same meaning as in 15 V.S.A. § 1101. (2) "Protected tenant" means a tenant who is:  (A) a victim of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking; (B) a parent, foster parent, legal guardian, or caretaker with at least partial physical custody of a victim of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.  (3) "Sexual assault" and "stalking" have the same meaning as in 12 V.S.A. § 5131. (Added 2019, No. 48, § 2.)
9 V.S.A. § 4472
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 9 - Commerce and Trade|Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements|§ 4472. Right to terminate rental agreement

§ 4472. Right to terminate rental agreement|(a) Notwithstanding a contrary provision of a rental agreement or of subchapter 2 of this chapter, a protected tenant may terminate a rental agreement pursuant to subsection (b) of this section without penalty or liability if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to vacate a dwelling unit:  (1) based on a fear of imminent harm to any protected tenant due to abuse, sexual assault, or stalking; or (2) if any protected tenant was a victim of sexual assault that occurred on the premises within the six months preceding the date of his or her notice of termination.   (b) Not less than 30 days before the date of termination, the protected tenant shall provide to the landlord:  (1) a written notice of termination; and (2) documentation from one or more of the following sources supporting his or her reasonable belief that it is necessary to vacate the dwelling unit:  (A) a court, law enforcement, or other government agency; (B) an abuse, sexual assault, or stalking assistance program; (C) a legal, clerical, medical, or other professional from whom the tenant, or the minor or dependent of the tenant, received counseling or other assistance concerning abuse, sexual assault, or stalking; or (D) a self-certification of a protected tenant's status as a victim of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, signed under penalty of perjury, on a standard form adopted for that purpose by:  (i) a federal or State government entity, including the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Vermont Department for Children and Families; or (ii) a nonprofit organization that provides support services to protected tenants.     (c) A notice of termination provided pursuant to subsection (b) of this section may be revoked and the rental agreement shall remain in effect if:  (1)(A) the protected tenant provides a written notice to the landlord revoking the notice of termination; and  (B) the landlord has not entered into a rental agreement with another tenant prior to the date of the revocation; or  (2)(A) the protected tenant has not vacated the premises as of the date of termination; and  (B) the landlord has not entered into a rental agreement with another tenant prior to the date of termination. (Added 2019, No. 48, § 2.)