VT S0091

Prohibits landlords from charging rental application fees or requesting Social Security numbers, and requires written rental agreements for leases of 12 months or longer with specific required terms including rent amount, security deposit conditions, and tenant rights disclosures

Limits no-cause evictions to specific circumstances such as owner-occupied 2-3 unit buildings or major renovations exceeding 50% of unit value, and requires 60-90 days notice depending on tenancy length; landlords may still evict for nonpayment (14 days notice) or lease violations (30 days notice)

Caps annual rent increases at 1% above the Consumer Price Index housing component or 5%, whichever is less, with 90 days advance notice required

Creates a statewide rental housing registry with $35 annual registration fee per unit, establishes an Office of Tenant's Rights Advocate to provide education and legal services, and grants tenants the right to counsel in eviction proceedings with option for expungement of eviction records after 5 years

Gives tenants of buildings with 3+ units the right to purchase when the owner intends to sell, with 45 days to express interest and an additional 120 days to negotiate; appropriates $5 million for down payment assistance and $4 million for the Tenant's Rights Advocate office