VT H0509

Approves an amendment to the City of Winooski charter that voters approved on March 4, 2025, authorizing the City Council to adopt an ordinance protecting residential tenants from eviction without just cause.

Defines just cause for eviction as material breach of a written rental agreement, violation of state tenant statutes, nonpayment of rent, or failure to accept reasonable, good faith lease renewal terms.

Prohibits landlords from using the expiration of a rental agreement as the sole grounds for terminating a tenancy.

Exempts owner-occupied duplexes and triplexes, properties being withdrawn from the rental market for owner or family occupancy, properties needing substantial renovations, sublets, and in-unit rentals.

Requires the ordinance to include mitigation provisions such as adequate notice and relocation expenses, a probationary period for new tenants, and limits on unreasonable rent increases to prevent de facto evictions.