CVR 13-140-031 § 9
Lighting and Electricity
Operative Text
9.1 Every habitable room in a dwelling unit or rooming house other than a kitchen shall contain at least two duplex electrical outlets or one duplex electrical outlet and one electrical light fixture. 9.2 Every kitchen in a dwelling unit or rooming house shall contain at least one electric light fixture and two duplex electrical outlets. 9.3 Every other room in a dwelling unit or rooming house shall contain at least one electric light fixture. 9.4 All building entrances in dwellings or rooming houses and all common areas in rooming houses or dwellings containing two or more dwelling units shall be adequately lighted to provide for safe and reasonable use and safe access and egress to and from the building. 9.5 All electrical systems in dwellings, rooming houses and on rented mobile home lots shall be maintained in safe working condition.
CVR 13-140-031 § 9 establishes minimum electrical standards for rental dwellings and rooming houses in Vermont. Habitable rooms (other than kitchens) must have at least two duplex outlets or one outlet plus one light fixture; kitchens require at least one light fixture and two duplex outlets; and all other rooms must have at least one light fixture. Building entrances and common areas in multi-unit buildings must be adequately lit for safe use and egress, and all electrical systems must be kept in safe working condition.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CVR 13-140-031 § 9, compliant operators ensure that every habitable room, kitchen, and common area meets the specific outlet and lighting minimums before a unit is occupied and throughout the tenancy. Routine inspections of electrical systems help confirm that wiring, fixtures, and outlets remain in safe working condition as required. Entrance and common-area lighting in buildings with two or more units should be checked regularly to confirm it provides safe access and egress at all hours.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CVR 13-140-031 § 9 gives renters in Vermont the right to a rental unit with functioning electrical outlets, light fixtures, and adequately lit common areas and entrances. If a unit lacks the required outlets or fixtures, or if electrical systems are not maintained in safe working condition, tenants may have grounds to raise the deficiency as a habitability concern with their local code enforcement office or the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development. Tenant-rights organizations in Vermont can help renters understand the general options available, such as filing a complaint or raising a violation as a defense in a related proceeding.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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