20 V.S.A. § ___ § 2676
Definition
Operative Text
As used in this chapter: (1) “Rental housing” means: (A) a “premises” as defined in 9 V.S.A. § 4451 that is subject to 9 V.S.A. chapter 137 (residential rental agreements); and (B) a “short-term rental” subject to 18 V.S.A. chapter 85, subchapter 7. (2) “Short-term rental” has the same meaning as in 18 V.S.A. § 4301. (Added 2021, No. 181 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. June 7, 2022; amended 2023, No. 181 (Adj. Sess.), § 100, eff. June 17, 2024.)
Section 2676 of 20 V.S.A. ch. 172 establishes the foundational definitions that govern the rest of the chapter. Under this provision, 'rental housing' covers two distinct categories: traditional residential rental premises as defined under Vermont's residential rental agreements law, and short-term rentals as regulated under Vermont's public health statutes. The term 'short-term rental' carries the specific meaning already established in 18 V.S.A. § 4301, ensuring consistent terminology across Vermont law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers should be aware that § 2676 sets the scope of which rental arrangements fall under 20 V.S.A. ch. 172. Both conventional long-term residential rentals and short-term rentals — such as those listed on vacation platforms — may be captured by this chapter's requirements. Operators who understand which category their property falls into are better positioned to identify which additional obligations within the chapter apply to their specific type of rental housing.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 2676 clarifies which types of housing arrangements are covered by 20 V.S.A. ch. 172, which matters when determining whether a tenant's living situation falls within the chapter's protections. Both traditional renters under a residential rental agreement and guests in short-term rentals may be affected by this chapter's rules. Tenants who are uncertain whether their arrangement qualifies as 'rental housing' under this definition may find it helpful to consult a tenant-rights organization or Vermont Legal Aid for general guidance.
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 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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