VT S0309

Prohibits residential rental application fees except nominal credit check fees, caps security deposits at two months' rent, and limits rent increases to once per 12-month period with restrictions on excessive increases

Shortens eviction notice periods significantly: nonpayment of rent reduced from 14 to 7 days, lease violations from 30 to 21 days, and health/safety threats from 14 to 3 days

Creates a new "just cause" ejectment process in Superior Court with expedited timelines including 7-day answer periods, no jury trials, and writs of possession issued on judgment day

Makes all ejectment records confidential upon filing, with confidentiality removed only after landlord wins a for-cause eviction following an evidentiary hearing; prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including confidential records in tenant screening reports

Establishes a two-year positive rental payment credit reporting pilot program through the State Treasurer to help tenants build credit, with $100,000 appropriated plus $1.2 million for rent arrears assistance and landlord-tenant education through CVOEO