VT H0874

Municipalities may acquire abandoned residential property in designated downtown or village areas through voluntary sale, judicial foreclosure, or other lawful means, or impose incrementally increasing fines on such properties

Acquired residential property must be used for public purposes including medical housing, transitional housing, rehabilitative or respite housing, or youth and community facilities

Municipalities may acquire abandoned commercial property and sell it to purchasers who demonstrate local economic presence, operate startups or small businesses, and contribute to downtown revitalization

Municipalities gain authority to enforce habitability standards for rental properties and adopt controls on annual rent increases, subject to certain limitations

Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program funding would be limited to individually owned residential properties, with additional funding for first-time homebuyers purchasing properties needing repairs and incentives for senior housing developments that include accommodations for visiting relatives, medical personnel, or respite housing

All housing developments receiving State funds must incorporate universal design principles, include a certain number of ADA-compliant units, and give priority to applicants with disabilities for units designated for individuals exiting homelessness