27 V.S.A. § ___ § 1331
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this subchapter: (1) “Comparable housing” means housing that is decent, safe, sanitary, and in compliance with all local and State housing codes, and provided with facilities equivalent to those provided by the landlord in the dwelling unit in which the tenant then resides in regard to each of the following: apartment size, rent range, major kitchen and bathroom facilities, special facilities necessary for persons with disabilities or who have an infirmity, and desirability of neighborhood, school facilities, or area. (2) “Conversion” means a change in character of residential real property from a rental to an ownership basis. A common interest community, stock cooperative, or similar arrangement shall be deemed such a change in character of ownership. (3) “Declarant” means any person who offers for transfer ownership interests in a common interest community as part of an initial common promotional plan. (4) “Tenant who is an elder” means a tenant who is 62 years of age or older. (5) “Tenant with a disability” means a tenant who has a physical or mental impairment that restricts one or more major life activities, including functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, or working. (6) “Low-income tenant household” means a household having an income not exceeding 80 percent of median income for area of residence as set forth in regulations promulgated from time-to-time by the Department of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1437 et seq. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; amended 1997, No. 104 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1999; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 185.)
Section 1331 of 27 V.S.A. ch. 15 establishes the key definitions that govern Vermont's residential condominium conversion rules. The provision sets out precise meanings for terms such as 'comparable housing,' 'conversion,' 'declarant,' 'tenant who is an elder,' 'tenant with a disability,' and 'low-income tenant household.' These definitions form the interpretive foundation for the rest of the subchapter, determining which tenants and housing situations fall under its protections.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers involved in converting rental housing to ownership arrangements should familiarize themselves with the definitions in § 1331, as these terms directly shape their obligations throughout the conversion process. The definition of 'comparable housing,' for instance, sets a specific standard—covering apartment size, rent range, kitchen and bathroom facilities, disability accommodations, and neighborhood desirability—that operators must understand when offering relocation options. Knowing which tenants qualify as elders, persons with disabilities, or low-income households under § 1331 is essential for correctly applying the protections that follow in the subchapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 1331 of 27 V.S.A. ch. 15, tenants living in rental properties being converted to ownership arrangements may have specific rights depending on whether they qualify as an elder (age 62 or older), a person with a disability, or a member of a low-income household. The definition of 'comparable housing' in this section also sets a meaningful benchmark—covering factors like unit size, rent range, and accessibility features—that can be relevant when evaluating any housing offered during a conversion. Tenants who believe they may qualify under one of these defined categories can consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to better understand how the broader subchapter's protections may apply to their situation.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation
Related Rules
Source Information
Use this in your app
Access this data programmatically via our API