Vermont landlord-tenant law FAQ
41 answers to common Vermont landlord questions. Every answer is a verified fact with its official source and last-checked date.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Vermont?
No maximum. Vermont's security deposit statute governs permitted deductions and the 14-day return, but sets no cap on the amount.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4461 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full security deposit limit page
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Vermont?
Within 14 days after the tenant vacates (60 days for seasonal non-primary rentals). If the landlord misses the deadline, they forfeit the right to withhold; if the failure is willful, they owe double.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4461 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full deposit return deadline page
How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Vermont?
At least 48 hours' notice for inspection, repairs, agreed services or showings.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4460 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full notice to enter page
How much notice does a landlord need to give to raise the rent in Vermont?
A rent increase takes effect on the first day of the rental period after at least 60 days' actual notice to the tenant.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4455(b) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent increase notice page
Can a landlord charge a late fee in Vermont, and how much?
Vermont's landlord-tenant law (9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (Residential Rental Agreements), read in full on 2026-10-15) sets no late-fee cap; the lease terms control.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (Residential Rental Agreements) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full late fees page
What notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Vermont?
At least 14 days' actual notice of the termination date. The tenancy does not end if the tenant pays rent due through the end of the rental period in which payment is made.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4467(a) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full eviction notice (nonpayment) page
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month tenancy in Vermont?
Landlord, no written lease, monthly rent: 60 days' notice if the tenant has lived there 2 years or less, 90 days if more than 2 years (21 days for weekly rent; 30 days if the building is under contract for sale). Tenant: notice of at least one rental period, unless the written lease says otherwise.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. §§ 4467(c)–(d), 4456(d) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full ending a month-to-month tenancy page
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Vermont?
No statewide interest requirement. A municipal security deposit ordinance may authorize payment of interest on deposits.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4461 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full interest on deposits page
Is a move-in or move-out inspection checklist required in Vermont?
Vermont's landlord-tenant law (9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (§§ 4451–4475), read in full on 2026-10-15) sets no move-in or move-out inspection or checklist requirement; the lease terms control.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (§§ 4451–4475) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full move-in/move-out checklist page
Is landlord retaliation illegal in Vermont?
Yes. A landlord may not retaliate by changing lease terms or bringing or threatening an action against a tenant who complained to a code agency or to the landlord, or who joined a tenants' union. A no-cause termination within 90 days after a government notice of health or safety noncompliance is presumed retaliatory.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4465 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full retaliation protections page
Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Vermont?
Banned. A landlord may not willfully interrupt utilities (except temporarily for emergency repairs) or deny the tenant access to the unit or the tenant's property except through court process.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4463 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full lockouts and utility shutoffs page
What can a tenant do if the landlord won't make repairs in Vermont?
Minor defects: if not repaired within 30 days of notice, the tenant may repair and deduct up to half a month's rent. Habitability defects materially affecting health and safety that aren't fixed within a reasonable time after notice: the tenant may withhold rent, seek an injunction or damages, or terminate.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. §§ 4458, 4459 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full repairs and habitability remedies page
What disclosures must a landlord give tenants in Vermont?
Before signing, the landlord must disclose in a separate written notice (state model form) whether any part of the premises is in a FEMA-mapped special flood hazard area.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4466 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full required lease disclosures page
What can a landlord do with property a tenant leaves behind in Vermont?
Property left in an abandoned unit (other than trash) must be stored somewhere safe and dry. The landlord must mail notice of intent to dispose of it after 60 days; the tenant may reclaim it within 60 days by describing it and paying reasonable storage costs.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4462 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full abandoned property page
Can a tenant break a lease early for domestic violence or military service in Vermont?
Victims of abuse, sexual assault or stalking (or their custodial parent or guardian) may end a lease without penalty with at least 30 days' written notice and supporting documentation (a self-certification form is allowed). They may also require a lock change within 48 hours.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. §§ 4472, 4473 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full early termination (dv/military) page
Is there a grace period before a late fee can be charged in Vermont?
Vermont's landlord-tenant law (9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (§§ 4451–4475), read in full on 2026-10-15) sets no grace period before a late fee; the lease terms control.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (§§ 4451–4475) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full late fee grace period page
How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in Vermont?
A landlord or agent may not charge any application fee for a residential rental.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4456a(a) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full application fees & screening page
Can a landlord refuse Section 8 or other source of income in Vermont?
Landlords may not refuse to rent to, or discriminate against, a person because they receive public assistance.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4503 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full source of income discrimination page
Can a tenant fix something and deduct it from rent in Vermont?
If the landlord doesn't fix a minor defect within 30 days of notice, the tenant may repair it and deduct the actual, reasonable cost, up to half of one month's rent.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4459 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full repair and deduct page
Can a tenant sublet an apartment in Vermont?
A written lease may condition or prohibit subleasing and may require written notice of any subtenant's name and contact information. Without a written lease, the tenant must give the landlord that notice.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4456b · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full subletting & assignment page
How does the eviction court process work in Vermont?
In an eviction case, the landlord may ask the court to order the tenant to pay rent into court. The motion is heard after 14 days' notice. If the tenant appears, no default judgment can be entered unless the tenant fails to file a written answer within 14 days after the hearing.
Verified Source: 12 V.S.A. § 4853a · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full eviction court process & timeline page
Does a landlord have to give notice before not renewing a lease in Vermont?
To end a written lease for no cause at the end of its term, the landlord must give at least 30 days' notice before the term ends if the tenancy has lasted 2 years or less, or 60 days if it has lasted longer.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4467(e) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full lease renewal / non-renewal notice page
What happens if a tenant stays after the lease ends in Vermont?
If a tenant stays after the rental agreement ends without the landlord's express consent, the landlord may sue for possession, damages and costs.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4468 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full holdover tenants page
Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Vermont?
If the landlord fails to fix a habitability problem within a reasonable time after actual notice, and the problem materially affects health and safety, the tenant may withhold rent for the period of noncompliance.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4458(a)(1) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent withholding / escrow page
What happens to the lease when a tenant dies in Vermont?
A search of the full text of Vermont's residential rental agreements chapter (9 V.S.A. ch. 137) found no rule on ending a lease or handling belongings when a tenant dies. The lease and probate law control.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (searched in full) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full death of a tenant page
What is the deposit bank holding / separate account rule in Vermont?
A search of the full text of Vermont's residential rental agreements chapter (9 V.S.A. ch. 137) found no requirement to keep security deposits in a separate or trust account. Deposit rules are in § 4461.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (searched in full); § 4461 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full deposit bank holding / separate account page
What is the eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) rule in Vermont?
A landlord may end a tenancy for failure to follow a material lease term or the tenant's legal obligations with actual notice at least 30 days before the termination date. For criminal activity, illegal drug activity or violence that threatens other residents' health or safety, the notice is at least 14 days.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4467(b) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) page
What is the pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals rule in Vermont?
A search of the full text of 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (§§ 4451 et seq.) found no separate rule on pet deposits or pet fees, so any pet deposit falls under the general security-deposit rules in that law. Assistance-animal rules are in fair-housing law, which this site has not reviewed for this topic.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (§§ 4451 et seq.) (searched in full) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals page
What is the tenant relocation assistance rule in Vermont?
A search of the full text of 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (§§ 4451 et seq.) found no requirement for landlords to pay tenants relocation assistance. Government relocation programs, such as those for public projects, are in other laws not reviewed here.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (§§ 4451 et seq.) (searched in full) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full tenant relocation assistance page
What is the rent receipts, payment methods & cash rule in Vermont?
A search of the full text of 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (§§ 4451 et seq.) found no rule requiring rent receipts, requiring or banning any payment method, or limiting payment fees. Unless otherwise agreed, rent is due at the time and place the parties agreed.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (§§ 4451 et seq.) (searched in full) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent receipts, payment methods & cash page
What is the eviction record sealing rule in Vermont?
A search of the full text of 12 V.S.A. ch. 169 (ejectment; §§ 4851 et seq.) found no provision for sealing or expunging eviction records. Court rules or other statutes, which this site has not reviewed, may still provide for it.
Verified Source: 12 V.S.A. ch. 169 (ejectment; §§ 4851 et seq.) (searched in full) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full eviction record sealing page
What is the condo conversion protections rule in Vermont?
Before converting, the landlord must give each tenant written notice to vacate or buy. In buildings with more than five units or in apartment complexes, the minimum is two years for elders and tenants with disabilities, one year for low-income households, and six months for everyone else. Smaller buildings have their own notice periods.
Verified Source: 27 V.S.A. § 1333 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full condo conversion protections page
What is the manufactured / mobile home parks rule in Vermont?
A mobile home park leaseholder may be evicted only for nonpayment of rent, a substantial lease violation, or a change in use or closure of the park, and only by following the statutory procedure. Self-help eviction is barred. Code text: "A leaseholder may be evicted only for nonpayment of rent or for a substantial violation of the lease terms of the mobile home park."
Verified Source: 10 V.S.A. § 6237 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full manufactured / mobile home parks page
What is the right to cure / redeem rule in Vermont?
Yes, for nonpayment. After a 14-day notice for unpaid rent, the tenancy does not end if the tenant pays or offers the rent due through the end of the rental period in which payment is made. Code text: "The rental agreement shall not terminate if the tenant pays or tenders rent due through the end of the rental period in which payment is made or tendered."
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4467(a) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full right to cure / redeem page
What is the military lease termination (federal scra, all states) rule in Vermont?
Federal law that applies in every state: under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a tenant may end a residential lease after entering military service, or after getting permanent-change-of-station orders or deployment orders of at least 90 days, by delivering written notice and a copy of the orders to the landlord. For a lease with monthly rent, termination takes effect 30 days after the next rent due date following delivery of the notice. Any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Code text: "The lessee on a lease described in subsection (b) may, at the lessee's option, terminate the lease at any time after."
Verified Source: 50 U.S.C. § 3955 (federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full military lease termination (federal scra, all states) page
What is the tenant buyout disclosures rule in Vermont?
The state landlord-tenant statute (9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (Residential Rental Agreements), read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on tenant buyout agreements or buyout disclosures. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (Residential Rental Agreements) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full tenant buyout disclosures page
What is the guest & occupancy limits rule in Vermont?
The state landlord-tenant statute (9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (Residential Rental Agreements), read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on guest stays or occupancy limits. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (Residential Rental Agreements) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full guest & occupancy limits page
What is the rental / transient occupancy tax rule in Vermont?
Vermont's meals and rooms tax on lodging is 9% of the rent for each occupancy. Statute text: "An operator shall collect a tax of nine percent of the rent of each occupancy" (32 V.S.A. § 9241(a)).
Verified Source: 32 V.S.A. § 9241(a) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full rental / transient occupancy tax page
What is the domestic violence early termination rule in Vermont?
A tenant who reasonably fears imminent harm from abuse, sexual assault or stalking, or who was sexually assaulted on the premises within the past six months, may end the lease without penalty. The tenant must give at least 30 days' written notice plus supporting documentation. Statute text: "Notwithstanding a contrary provision of a rental agreement or of subchapter 2 of this chapter, a protected tenant may terminate a rental agreement pursuant to subsection (b) of this section without penalty or liability if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to vacate a dwelling unit: (1) based on a fear of imminent harm to any protected tenant due to abuse, sexual assault, or stalking; or (2) if any protected tenant was a victim of sexual assault that occurred on the premises within the six months preceding the date of his or her notice of termination" (9 V.S.A. § 4472).
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4472 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full domestic violence early termination page
Does a landlord have to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Vermont?
Rented residential buildings (anything other than owner-occupied single-family homes) must have carbon monoxide detectors and are subject to the state fire-safety rules, which also set the smoke alarm requirements. Statute text: "Any condominium or multiple unit dwelling using a common roof, or row houses so-called, or other residential buildings in which people sleep, including hotels, motels, and tourist homes, excluding single family owner-occupied houses and premises, whether the units are owned or leased or rented, shall be subject to the rules adopted under this subchapter and shall be provided with one or more carbon monoxide detectors, as defined in 9 V.S.A. § 2881(3), properly installed according to the manufacturer’s requirements" (20 V.S.A. § 2729(d)).
Verified Source: 20 V.S.A. § 2729(d) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full smoke & co detectors page
Can a landlord deny a tenant for criminal or credit history in Vermont?
Vermont's Residential Rental Agreements chapter (9 V.S.A. ch. 137, read in full on 2026-10-16) sets no rules on screening applicants' criminal or credit history; federal fair-housing and FCRA rules still apply.
Verified Source: 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full criminal & credit history rules page
Vermont cities with their own rules
- Burlington landlord rules
- Montpelier landlord rules
- South Burlington landlord rules
- Winooski landlord rules
All Vermont landlord-tenant law
Get alerts when Vermont's landlord laws change
A short email when a rule on this site changes. Free, unsubscribe anytime.