In an email sent on August 24th, 2021 from Burlington’s Director of Permitting & Inspections, Bill Ward, owners of Burlington rental properties were informed about a new weatherization requirement added to the existing Minimum Housing Code (MHC) that was approved by the Burlington City Council on May 10, 2021.
The first stage of updated MHC code is set to begin on January 1st, 2022 and is ready to replace the existing Time of Sale Energy Efficiency Ordinance (TSEEO) that had required all rental buildings in which tenants pay their own heat to be tested and brought up to compliance during the process of being sold.
Vermont Gas officials are helping Burlington identify the city’s draftiest multi family and rental homes. The change to the Minimum Housing Code only applies to high energy use rental buildings where the total space heating usage is above 50,000 BTU/SF/Year.
The upcoming January 1 Stage 1 deadline will first be addressing buildings identified at or above a 90,000 BTU/SF/Year threshold. The City Council, understanding weatherization can get expensive, has instituted a $2,500 cap per unit for what landlords would have to pay to address deficiencies. The compliance timeline for Stage 2 (properties using between 50,000 – 89,999 BTU/SF/Year) has yet to be established and according to Ward’s email is likely to be subject to a “four-year compliance implementation schedule” after the most inefficient buildings have been addressed.
WCAX is continuing to cover the story, check it out to learn more... Weatherization deadline for Burlington landlords approaching | WCAX.com
Wondering how this might impact your multi family rental property? Give us a call at (802) 846-8800 or email us at Team@LipkinAudette.com