MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – A key Vermont legislative committee is taking a hard look at landlord-tenant relationships.

As the state battles one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in the country, the Study Committee on the Rights of Owners and Tenants examines whether landlord and tenancy laws need to be updated.

They are also curious about what impact evictions have on the availability of rental housing.

Members of the public urged lawmakers to enact rent control, a statewide rent registry, and protections against just-cause evictions.

“As nurses, educators and social workers like me are increasingly unable to make ends meet in Vermont, the reality is that when any of us are forced to endure inhumane living conditions , the health and safety of our entire community is worsening,” Meghan said. Downey, a Winooski tenant.

But some homeowners tell lawmakers that some cost factors, like water, heat and property taxes, are out of their control.

The committee is expected to make a recommendation to state lawmakers next month.

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