reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 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, or occupancy in a hotel or motel funded by federal Emergency Rental Assistance administered by the Department for Children and Families through September 30, 2025, 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; 2021, No. 83 (Adj. Sess.), § 54a, eff. March 16, 2022.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 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.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements › § 4473. Right to change locks; other security measures

§ 4473. Right to change locks; other security measures
Notwithstanding any contrary provision of a rental agreement or of subchapter 2 of this chapter:
(1) Subject to subdivision (2) of this subsection, a protected tenant may request that a landlord change the locks of a dwelling unit within 48 hours following the request:
(A) based on a fear of imminent harm to any protected tenant due to abuse, sexual assault, or stalking; or
(B) 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 request.
(2) If the perpetrator of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking is also a tenant in the dwelling unit, the protected tenant shall include with his or her request a copy of a court order that requires the perpetrator to leave the premises.
(3) If the landlord changes the locks as requested, the landlord shall provide a key to the new locks to each tenant of the dwelling unit, not including the perpetrator of the abuse, sexual assault, or stalking who is subject to a court order to leave the premises.
(4) If the landlord does not change the locks as requested, the protected tenant may change the locks without the landlord’s prior knowledge or permission, provided that the protected tenant shall:
(A) ensure that the new locks, and the quality of the installation, equal or exceed the quality of the original;
(B) notify the landlord of the change within 24 hours of installation; and
(C) provide the landlord with a key to the new locks.
(5) Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, a protected tenant is responsible for the costs of installation of new locks pursuant to this section.
(6)(A) A protected tenant may request permission of a landlord to install additional security measures on the premises, including a security system or security camera.
(B) A protected tenant:
(i) shall submit his or her request not less than seven days prior to installation;
(ii) shall ensure the quality and safety of the security measures and of their installation;
(iii) is responsible for the costs of installation and operation of the security measures; and
(iv) is liable for damages resulting from installation.
(C) A landlord shall not unreasonably refuse a protected tenant’s request to install additional security measures pursuant to this subdivision (6). (Added 2019, No. 48, § 2.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements › § 4474. Confidentiality

§ 4474. Confidentiality
An owner, landlord, or housing subsidy provider who possesses documentation or information concerning a protected tenant’s status as a victim of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking shall keep the documentation or information confidential and shall not allow or provide access to another person unless:
(1) authorized by the protected tenant;
(2) required by a court order, government regulation, or governmental audit requirement; or
(3) required as evidence in a court proceeding, provided:
(A) the documentation or information remains under seal; and
(B) use of the documentation or information is limited to a claim brought pursuant to section 4472 or 4473 of this title. (Added 2019, No. 48, § 2.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 137 - Residential Rental Agreements › § 4475. Limitation of liability; enforcement

§ 4475. Limitation of liability; enforcement
Except in the case of gross negligence or willful misconduct, a landlord is immune from liability for damages to a protected tenant if he or she acts in good faith reliance on:
(1) the provisions of this subchapter; or
(2) information provided or action taken by a protected tenant pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter. (Added 2019, No. 48, § 2.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 139 - Discrimination; Public Accommodations; Rental and Sale of Real Estate › § 4500. Legislative intent

§ 4500. Legislative intent
(a) The provisions of this chapter establishing legal standards, duties, and requirements with respect to persons with disabilities in places of public accommodation as defined in this chapter, except those provisions relating to remedies, are intended to implement and to be construed so as to be consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. and regulations promulgated under that Act and are not intended to impose additional or higher standards, duties, or requirements than that Act.
(b) Subsections 4502(b) and (c) of this title shall not be construed to create or impose on governmental entities additional or higher standards, duties, or requirements than that imposed by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
(c) The provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally to accomplish its remedial purposes, and any exceptions and exemptions to the provisions of this chapter shall be construed narrowly in order to maximize the deterrence of discriminatory behavior. (Added 1991, No. 243 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; amended 2021, No. 20, § 43; 2021, No. 182 (Adj. Sess.), § 19, eff. July 1, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 139 - Discrimination; Public Accommodations; Rental and Sale of Real Estate › § 4504. Rental of housing; exemptions

§ 4504. Rental of housing; exemptions
The provisions of section 4503 of this title relating to the rental of a dwelling shall not apply:
(1) If the dwelling unit is inadequate, under applicable laws and ordinances relating to occupancy, to house all persons who intend to live there.
(2) If the dwelling unit is in a building with three or fewer units and the owner or a member of the owner’s immediate family resides in one of the units, provided any notice, statement, or advertisement with respect to the unit complies with subdivision 4503(a)(3) of this title.
(3) To the refusal to rent to a person because the person is under the age of majority.
(4) To limit a landlord’s right to establish and enforce legitimate business practices necessary to protect and manage the rental property, such as the use of references. However, this subdivision shall not be used as a pretext for discrimination in violation of this section.
(5) To a religious organization, association, or society, or any nonprofit institution or organization operated, supervised, or controlled by or in conjunction with a religious organization, association, or society, that limits the sale, rental, or occupancy of dwellings that it owns or operates for other than a commercial purpose to persons of the same religion, or from giving preference to such persons, unless membership in that religion is restricted on the basis of race, color, or national origin. The religious restriction or preference must be stated in written policies and procedures of the religious organization, association, or society. (Added 1987, No. 74, § 1; amended 1987, No. 253 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1989, No. 89, § 3; 2013, No. 50, § E.236.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 139 - Discrimination; Public Accommodations; Rental and Sale of Real Estate › § 4506. Enforcement; civil action; retaliation prohibited

§ 4506. Enforcement; civil action; retaliation prohibited
(a) A person aggrieved by a violation of this chapter may file a charge of discrimination with the Human Rights Commission pursuant to chapter 141 of this title or may bring an action for injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages and any other appropriate relief in the Superior Court of the county in which the violation is alleged to have occurred.
(b) The court may award costs and reasonable attorney’s fees to an aggrieved person who prevails in an action brought under subsection (a) of this section.
(c) The Human Rights Commission may bring an action in the name of the Commission to enforce the provisions of this chapter in accordance with its powers established in chapter 141 of this title.
(d) The initiation or completion of an investigation by the Human Rights Commission shall not be a condition precedent to the filing of any lawsuit for violation of this chapter.
(e) A person shall not coerce, threaten, interfere, or otherwise discriminate against any individual who:
(1) has opposed any act or practice that is prohibited under section 4502 or 4503 of this title;
(2) has lodged a complaint or has testified, assisted, or participated in any manner with the Human Rights Commission in an investigation of acts or practices prohibited by this chapter;
(3) is known by the person to be about to lodge a complaint, testify, assist, or participate in any manner in an investigation of acts or practices prohibited by this chapter;
(4) is exercising or enjoying a right granted or protected by this chapter; or
(5) is believed by the person to have acted as described in subdivisions (1) through (4) of this subsection. (Added 1987, No. 74, § 1; amended 1987, No. 253 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 1989, No. 89, § 4; 2013, No. 31, § 12; 2015, No. 9, § 2, eff. April 16, 2015; 2021, No. 20, § 44.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 139 - Discrimination; Public Accommodations; Rental and Sale of Real Estate › § 4507. Criminal penalty

§ 4507. Criminal penalty
A person who violates a provision of this chapter shall be fined not more than $10,000.00 per violation. (Added 1987, No. 74, § 1; amended 2023, No. 47, § 28, eff. July 1, 2023.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 141 - Human Rights Commission › § 4551. Human Rights Commission; members; compensation

§ 4551. Human Rights Commission; members; compensation
(a) The Human Rights Commission is hereby established. It shall consist of five members to be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall designate one member to be its Chair. No more than three members shall be of the same political party. At least one member shall be of a racial minority.
(b) The members of the Commission shall be appointed for terms of five years each, except that of the members first appointed, the Governor shall designate one for a term of one year, one for a term of two years, one for a term of three years and one for a term of four years. A member of the Commission appointed to fill a vacancy occurring other than by expiration of a term shall be appointed only for the unexpired portion of the term. Members of the Commission shall be eligible for reappointment.
(c) A member of the Commission whose term has expired or who resigned during a term shall be eligible to act as an alternate at the request of the Executive Director of the Commission if necessary to convene a quorum of the Commission to act upon complaints pursuant to section 4554 of this title. An alternate shall only participate in the consideration of complaints at meetings attended and shall not be involved in setting the policies of the Commission.
(d) Each member of the Commission, including an alternate who is called to act, shall receive compensation as provided by 32 V.S.A. § 1010 with a maximum of $1,000.00 a year, and shall be entitled to expenses actually and necessarily incurred in the performance of his or her duties.
(e) Three members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. Alternate members may not make up a majority of a quorum. (Added 1987, No. 234 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2005, No. 71, § 98b; 2007, No. 192 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.000.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 141 - Human Rights Commission › § 4552. Duties; jurisdiction

§ 4552. Duties; jurisdiction
(a) The Commission shall endeavor through public education to increase awareness of the importance of full civil and human rights for each inhabitant of this State. The Commission shall also examine and evaluate generally the effectiveness of this chapter as well as the existence of practices of discrimination that detract from the enjoyment of full civil and human rights and shall recommend measures designed to protect those rights.
(b)(1) The Commission shall have jurisdiction to investigate and enforce complaints of unlawful discrimination in violation of chapter 139 of this title, discrimination in public accommodations and rental and sale of real estate. The Commission shall also have jurisdiction when the party complained against is a State agency in matters for which the Attorney General would otherwise have jurisdiction under subsection (c) of this section.
(2) In any case relating to unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment in violation of 21 V.S.A. § 495 et seq. that the Commission has jurisdiction over pursuant to this subsection, it shall include a statement setting forth the prohibition against retaliation pursuant to 21 V.S.A. § 495(a)(8) with any formal complaint that is sent to a respondent.
(c) All complaints of unlawful discrimination in violation of 21 V.S.A. §§ 495 et seq. and 710, the Fair Employment Practices Act and the provisions for workers’ compensation discrimination, respectively, and of 21 V.S.A. § 471 et seq. shall be referred to the Attorney General’s office for investigation and enforcement. (Added 1987, No. 234 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1989, No. 150 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2017, No. 183 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 141 - Human Rights Commission › § 4555. Information; disclosure and confidentiality

§ 4555. Information; disclosure and confidentiality
(a)(1) Except as provided in this subsection, the Human Rights Commission’s complaint files and investigative files shall be confidential.
(2) The Commission shall make the investigative file available to the charging party, the respondent, their attorneys, and any State or federal law enforcement agency seeking to enforce anti-discrimination statutes, upon reasonable request, except that the Commission may refuse to disclose:
(A) the identities of nonparty witnesses to the investigation if good cause is shown to protect the witness’s confidentiality; or
(B) records or information the release of which may be prohibited under State or federal law absent court order.
(3) A party or entity denied information or records under subdivision (2)(A) or (B) of this subsection may seek the information or records by subpoena. The Commission and any affected person may contest the subpoena in court.
(4) Any records or information described in subdivision (2)(A) or (B) of this subsection made available to a party or entity pursuant to a confidentiality agreement or court order requiring confidentiality shall be kept confidential in accordance with the agreement or order, unless disclosure is otherwise authorized by law or court order.
(b) Nothing said or done as part of conciliation efforts under this chapter may be made a matter of public record or used as evidence in a subsequent civil action without written consent of the parties. Final settlement agreements shall be public documents and the parties shall be so informed.
(c) If the Commission determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that discrimination has occurred, that determination and the names of the parties may be made public after the parties have been notified of the Commission’s determination. If the Commission finds that there are no reasonable grounds to find discrimination, the identity of the parties and any information that would identify the parties shall remain confidential. The Commission shall inform the parties about the provisions of this subsection. In all cases, even if the records are confidential, the facts may be used for educational purposes if sufficiently altered so that no person involved in a case can be identified. (Added 1989, No. 89, § 6; amended 1995, No. 172 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2015, No. 29, § 20.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 143 - Trade Secrets › § 4601. Definitions

§ 4601. Definitions
As used in this chapter:
(1) “Improper means” includes theft, bribery, misrepresentation, breach or inducement of a breach of a duty to maintain secrecy, or espionage through electronic or other means.
(2) “Misappropriation” means:
(A) acquisition of a trade secret of another by a person who knows or has reason to know that the trade secret was acquired by improper means; or
(B) disclosure or use of a trade secret of another without express or implied consent by a person who:
(i) used improper means to acquire knowledge of the trade secret; or
(ii) at the time of disclosure or use, knew or had reason to know that his or her knowledge of the trade secret was:
(I) derived from or through a person who had utilized improper means to acquire it;
(II) acquired under circumstances giving rise to a duty to maintain its secrecy or limit its use; or
(III) derived from or through a person who owed a duty to the person seeking relief to maintain its secrecy or limit its use; or
(iii) before a material change of his or her position, knew or had reason to know that it was a trade secret and that knowledge of it had been acquired by accident or mistake.
(3) “Trade secret” means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, or process, that:
(A) derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and
(B) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy. (Added 1995, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 143 - Trade Secrets › § 4602. Injunctive relief

§ 4602. Injunctive relief
(a) A court may enjoin actual or threatened misappropriation of a trade secret. Upon application to the court, an injunction shall be terminated when the trade secret has ceased to exist, but the injunction may be continued for an additional reasonable period of time in order to eliminate commercial advantage that otherwise would be derived from the misappropriation.
(b) In exceptional circumstances, an injunction may condition future use upon payment of a reasonable royalty for no longer than the period of time for which use could have been prohibited. Exceptional circumstances include a material and prejudicial change of position prior to acquiring knowledge or reason to know of misappropriation that renders a prohibitive injunction inequitable.
(c) In appropriate circumstances, affirmative acts to protect a trade secret may be compelled by court order. (Added 1995, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2013, No. 199 (Adj. Sess.), § 17.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 143 - Trade Secrets › § 4603. Damages

§ 4603. Damages
(a)(1) Except to the extent that a material and prejudicial change of position prior to acquiring knowledge or reason to know of misappropriation renders a monetary recovery inequitable, a complainant is entitled to recover damages for misappropriation.
(2) Damages can include both the actual loss caused by misappropriation and the unjust enrichment caused by misappropriation that is not taken into account in computing actual loss.
(3) In lieu of damages measured by any other methods, the damages caused by misappropriation may be measured by imposition of liability for a reasonable royalty for a misappropriator’s unauthorized disclosure or use of a trade secret.
(4) A court shall award a substantially prevailing party his or her costs and fees, including reasonable attorney’s fees, in an action brought pursuant to this chapter.
(b) If malicious misappropriation exists, the court may award punitive damages. (Added 1995, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2013, No. 199 (Adj. Sess.), § 17.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 143 - Trade Secrets › § 4605. Preservation of secrecy

§ 4605. Preservation of secrecy
In an action under this chapter, a court shall preserve the secrecy of an alleged trade secret by reasonable means, which may include granting protective orders in connection with discovery proceedings, holding in-camera hearings, sealing the records of the action, and ordering any person involved in the litigation not to disclose an alleged trade secret without prior court approval. (Added 1995, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 143 - Trade Secrets › § 4607. Effect on other law

§ 4607. Effect on other law
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this chapter displaces conflicting tort, restitutionary, and any other law of this State providing civil remedies for misappropriation of a trade secret.
(b) This chapter does not affect:
(1) contractual remedies, whether or not based upon misappropriation of a trade secret;
(2) other civil remedies that are not based upon misappropriation of a trade secret; or
(3) criminal remedies, whether or not based upon misappropriation of a trade secret. (Added 1995, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2013, No. 199 (Adj. Sess.), § 17.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 143 - Trade Secrets › § 4608. Uniformity of application and construction

§ 4608. Uniformity of application and construction
This chapter shall be applied and construed to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this chapter among states enacting it. (Added 1995, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 143 - Trade Secrets › § 4609. Time of taking effect

§ 4609. Time of taking effect
This chapter shall take effect on July 1, 1996 and does not apply to misappropriation occurring prior to the effective date. With respect to a continuing misappropriation that began prior to the effective date, the chapter also does not apply to the continuing misappropriation that occurs after the effective date. (Added 1995, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 150 - Securities Act › § 5103. References to federal statutes

§ 5103. References to federal statutes
15 U.S.C. § 77a et seq. (Securities Act of 1933), 15 U.S.C. § 78a et seq. (Securities Exchange Act of 1934), 15 U.S.C. § 79 et seq. (Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935), 15 U.S.C. § 80a-1 et seq. (Investment Company Act of 1940), 15 U.S.C. § 80b-1 et seq. (Investment Advisers Act of 1940), 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq. (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974), 12 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq. (National Housing Act), 7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq. (Commodity Exchange Act), 26 U.S.C. § 1 et seq. (Internal Revenue Code), 15 U.S.C. § 78aaa et seq. (Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970), 112 Stat. 3227 (“Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act of 1998”), 15 U.S.C. § 661 et seq. (Small Business Investment Act of 1958), and 15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq. (Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act) mean those statutes and the rules and regulations adopted under those statutes, as in effect on the date of enactment of this chapter, or as later amended. (Added 2005, No. 11, § 1, eff. July 1, 2006.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 150 - Securities Act › § 5105. Electronic records and signatures

§ 5105. Electronic records and signatures
This chapter modifies, limits, and supersedes 15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit, or supersede 15 U.S.C. § 7001(c) or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in 15 U.S.C. § 7003(b). This chapter authorizes the filing of records and signatures, when specified by provisions of this chapter or by a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter, in a manner consistent with 15 U.S.C. § 7004(a). (Added 2005, No. 11, § 1, eff. July 1, 2006.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 150 - Securities Act › § 5203. Additional exemptions and waivers

§ 5203. Additional exemptions and waivers
A rule adopted or order issued under this chapter may exempt a security, transaction, or offer; a rule under this chapter may exempt a class of securities, transactions, or offers from any or all of the requirements of sections 5301 through 5306 and 5504 of this chapter; and an order under this chapter may waive, in whole or in part, any or all of the conditions for an exemption or offer under sections 5201 and 5202 of this chapter. (Added 2005, No. 11, § 1, eff. July 1, 2006.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 9 - Commerce and Trade › Chapter 150 - Securities Act › § 5204. Denial, suspension, revocation, condition, or limitations of exemptions

§ 5204. Denial, suspension, revocation, condition, or limitations of exemptions
(a) Except with respect to a federal covered security or a transaction involving a federal covered security, an order under this chapter may deny, suspend application of, condition, limit, or revoke an exemption created under subdivision 5201(3)(C), (7), or (8) or section 5202 of this chapter or an exemption or waiver created under section 5203 of this chapter with respect to a specific security, transaction, or offer. An order under this section may be issued only pursuant to the procedures in subsection 5306(d) or section 5604 of this chapter and only prospectively.
(b) A person does not violate sections 5301, 5303 through 5306, 5504, or 5510 of this chapter by an offer to sell, an offer to purchase, a sale, or a purchase effected after the entry of an order issued under this section if the person did not know, and in the exercise of reasonable care could not have known, of the order. (Added 2005, No. 11, § 1, eff. July 1, 2006.)