18 V.S.A. § ___ § 1766
Enforcement; administrative penalties
Operative Text
(a) A person who violates this chapter may be subject to an administrative penalty not to exceed $5,000.00 for each determination of a separate violation. If the Commissioner determines that a violation is continuing, each day’s continuance may be deemed a separate offense beginning from the date the violator is served with notice of the violation. (b) The Commissioner may use the enforcement powers as set forth in chapter 3 of this title to enforce any violations of this chapter or of any related rules, permits, or orders issued. (Added 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. October 21, 2022.)
Under 18 V.S.A. ch. 38 § 1766, anyone who violates the relevant chapter of Vermont's health statutes may face an administrative penalty of up to $5,000 for each separate violation found. If the Commissioner determines that a violation is ongoing, every day it continues after the violator is served with notice can be treated as a new, independent offense—meaning penalties can accumulate daily. The Commissioner is also authorized to draw on the broader enforcement powers established in chapter 3 of Title 18 to address violations of this chapter, as well as any related rules, permits, or orders.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under 18 V.S.A. ch. 38 § 1766 should be aware that a single unresolved violation can quickly multiply into substantial cumulative penalties, since each day a continuing violation persists after notice is served may count as a separate offense carrying up to $5,000. Compliant operators generally act promptly upon receiving any notice of violation from the Commissioner, document corrective steps taken, and ensure ongoing compliance with all related permits, rules, and orders. Maintaining clear records of inspections, repairs, and communications with regulators is a practice commonly associated with operators who avoid escalating administrative penalties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 18 V.S.A. ch. 38 § 1766, tenants living in housing subject to this chapter should know that the Commissioner has authority to impose significant administrative penalties on violators and can treat each day of a continuing violation as a separate offense. If a tenant believes a landlord is violating this chapter, they may consider reporting the concern to the Commissioner's office, which holds enforcement authority including the broader powers under chapter 3 of Title 18. Tenant-rights organizations in Vermont can help residents understand what types of conditions or conduct fall under this chapter and what reporting options may be available.
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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