At a Glance
| Question | Answer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit? | No statutory limit | Case law suggests the amount must be reasonable |
| Rent control? | No statewide | No statewide rent control; no local ordinances currently in effect |
| Required notice to raise rent? | 60 days | Written notice required for rent increases |
| Lease required in writing? | No | Oral leases are enforceable, but written leases are recommended |
| Landlord entry notice? | 48 hours | Landlord must provide at least 48 hours' notice before entry |
Security Deposits
Vermont does not impose a specific statutory limit on security deposit amounts. However, case law suggests that the deposit amount must be reasonable. Most landlords charge one to two months' rent.
Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days of the tenant vacating the unit. The return must include an itemized statement of any deductions, along with any remaining balance. Vermont law requires that the deposit be held in a separate escrow account and that the tenant be informed of the account location.
If the landlord fails to return the deposit within 14 days, the tenant may be entitled to damages, including the full deposit amount and reasonable attorney's fees.
cite: Vt. Stat. tit. 9, § 4461
Eviction Procedures
Vermont requires landlords to follow strict legal procedures to evict a tenant. Self-help evictions, including changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings, are illegal.
Notice Requirements
- 14-Day Notice (Nonpayment): Landlords must give tenants 14 days' written notice to pay rent or vacate
- 30-Day Notice (Lease Violation): For noncompliance with the rental agreement, landlords must provide 30 days' notice, allowing the tenant an opportunity to cure the violation
- 60-Day Notice (No Cause): For termination without cause, landlords must provide at least 60 days' written notice
- 90-Day Notice (Mobile Homes): For mobile home lot tenancies, a 90-day notice is required for no-cause terminations
Additional Protections
Vermont provides additional eviction protections during certain times of year and for vulnerable populations. Landlords must file an eviction action in the appropriate court and cannot remove a tenant without a court order.
cite: Vt. Stat. tit. 9, § 4467
Rent Control
Vermont does not have statewide rent control legislation. There are currently no local rent control ordinances in effect in any Vermont municipality. Landlords are generally free to set rental rates and increase rents as they see fit.
However, landlords must provide tenants with at least 60 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect. During a fixed-term lease, rent cannot be increased unless the lease specifically provides for it.
Vermont has considered rent stabilization proposals in the legislature, but no statewide rent control law has been enacted as of the last update.
cite: Vt. Stat. tit. 9, § 4455
Lease Agreements
Vermont does not require a written lease agreement. Oral leases are enforceable, though written agreements are strongly recommended. For tenancies of one year or more, a written lease is required under the Statute of Frauds.
Required Disclosures
Vermont landlords must provide the following disclosures:
- Lead-based paint (pre-1978 properties, federal requirement; Vermont also has its own lead paint disclosure law)
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Landlords must ensure detectors are installed and functional
- Security deposit information: The location of the escrow account holding the deposit
- Energy efficiency: Landlords must disclose known energy efficiency information
- Habitability issues: Any known conditions affecting the health or safety of the tenant
cite: Vt. Stat. tit. 9, § 4457
Tenant Rights
Vermont provides strong protections for tenants under the Residential Rental Agreements Act:
- Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in safe and habitable condition, including working plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and structural integrity
- Retaliation protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as reporting code violations, organizing tenant associations, or filing complaints
- Discrimination protection: Vermont's Fair Housing Law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, marital status, receipt of public assistance, and familial status
- Right to privacy: Landlords must provide at least 48 hours' notice before entering a tenant's unit, except in emergencies
- Repair and deduct: Tenants may make necessary repairs and deduct the cost from rent if the landlord fails to address serious habitability issues after proper notice
- Domestic violence protections: Tenants who are victims of domestic violence have additional protections, including the right to change locks and terminate leases early