Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
BRATTLEBORO â After months of debate and discussion, the Select Board approved amending an ordinance to limit what landlords can initially charge tenants to one monthâs rent and a security deposit not to exceed the same amount.
Tuesdayâs 3-2 vote did not come as a surprise. Select Board Chairman Tim Wessel and Vice Chairwoman Elizabeth McLoughlin have opposed the proposal from the Tenants Union of Brattleboro on the grounds that it would discourage efforts to bring more rental units on the market.
âThere are better tools to address these barriers of entry,â Wessel said at the board meeting held remotely Tuesday, where there was talk of possibly partnering with Southeastern Vermont Community Action to establish a landlord risk mitigation fund similar to existing programs and an announcement that the town will receive grant funding for a consultant to conduct a study on housing needs in the community.