How to Combat High Rents in Burlington, Vermont
If you live in or around Burlington, you’ve felt it: rent prices are through the roof. Burlington consistently ranks among the most expensive rental markets in Vermont, and there are several reasons why.
In this article, we’ll discuss them all, and what you can do to fight back.
What’s Driving Burlington’s High Rents
Burlington’s rental market is a perfect storm of supply and demand… and control.
Low housing supply: Vacancy rates hover around 1%, among the lowest in the nation.
Limited new construction: Zoning restrictions, high material costs, and long permitting timelines make it tough for new apartments to get built. And when they are, landlords “need” to charge high rents in order to balance the books.
Strong demand: Between UVM, Champlain College, and out-of-state newcomers seeking that Vermont quality of life, competition is fierce.
Landlord concentration: A handful of major property owners and management firms dominate the Burlington market. With that kind of control, prices can move in near-lockstep, leaving smaller landlords and renters to follow their lead.
A small number of major landlords (you likely already know who they are; you might even be renting from them now) control a huge share of the city’s rental housing. And it’s been like this for years. By now, many of these landlords own their properties outright, yet rents continue to climb year over year so these landlords can line their pockets while their tenants barely survive. Ah, capitalism.
When just a few players own hundreds (or thousands) of units, they set the tone for the market. That means prices across Burlington often rise together, leaving little room for competition or relief.
Still, renters aren’t powerless. There are smart ways to push back, from creative living setups and budgeting moves to supporting better housing policy at the city level.
The takeaway? Burlington’s affordability crisis isn’t about one bad actor; it’s about structure. And that means it can be changed.
Get Creative with Where and How You Live
When traditional rentals are scarce or overpriced, flexibility is your greatest ally.
Try co-living or house shares. Burlington’s cooperative and shared-housing scene is thriving, from shared houses in the Old North End to intentional communities in Winooski. These options can cut monthly costs dramatically.
Look for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Burlington recently made it easier to build and rent out ADUs, so you may find small apartments or in-law suites tucked behind single-family homes. They’re often more affordable and community-oriented.
Expand your search radius. Winooski, Colchester, Essex, and South Burlington offer lower average rents while keeping you within minutes of downtown Burlington.
Strengthen Your Finances, Strengthen your Options
High rents may make it harder to save, but there are ways to position yourself for stability:
Track your rent-to-income ratio. Aim to keep it below 30% when possible. That’s the sweet spot for financial breathing room.
Explore assistance programs. The Champlain Housing Trust and the Vermont State Housing Authority occasionally have rental aid or emergency housing support.
Prepare for homeownership. The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) offers down payment assistance and low-interest loans for first-time buyers.
These programs can make a huge difference, and they’re underused by renters who assume homeownership is out of reach.
Support Smarter Housing Policy in Burlington
When so few landlords hold so much power, policy reform becomes essential.
Burlington’s city government has been exploring ways to expand housing supply and balance the market, including:
Zoning reform to allow more duplexes and multi-unit conversions in single-family zones.
Inclusionary housing rules that require new developments to include affordable units.
Parking minimum reforms that reduce construction costs and make infill projects more feasible.
Tenant protections that ensure fair treatment and transparency in lease renewals and rent increases.
Engage with these efforts by attending City Council or Planning Commission meetings, or even just submit a quick public comment online. Every local voice counts when decisions affect affordability.
Because Burlington has such high housing costs (among other reasons), many people are now on the streets.
Play the Long Game: From Renter to Owner
Burlington renters face steep prices today, but the path to ownership is still open, and it’s the single best hedge against rising rents.
Start small:
Build your credit and pay down high-interest debt.
Set aside savings monthly, even if it’s just $50 or $100.
Partner with a local real estate professional who knows the first-time buyer programs and affordable listings often missed by big out-of-town search portals.
You don’t need to buy a dream home right away. A small condo, townhouse, or fixer-upper in the suburbs can be the first step toward long-term housing security.
Download my free Buyer’s Guide to learn more:
Final Thought: Dwell Well, Even When It’s Hard
Yes, Burlington’s rental market is tough, and a handful of major landlords play a big role in shaping prices. But you still have agency. You can get creative with your living arrangements, strengthen your finances, support housing reforms, and plan your way toward stability.
Because when you take control, even in small ways, you don’t just survive Vermont’s housing market, you begin to find your dwellness.
