Landlord Guide to Renting in Vermont

Vermont permits both written and oral lease agreements. A written lease is required for any tenancy with a fixed term. All rental agreements — whether written or oral — must comply with the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act. Lease provisions that waive tenant rights under the Act are void and unenforceable (9 V.S.A. § 4454).

• Written and oral leases are permitted, but written agreements are strongly encouraged
• Month-to-month tenancies arise when no fixed term is specified or after lease expiration without renewal
• Lease provisions that waive tenant statutory rights are void (§ 4454)
• Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the signed lease

Vermont does not impose a statutory maximum on security deposit amounts. However, landlords must hold the deposit and return it in accordance with 9 V.S.A. § 4461. There is no requirement to pay interest on security deposits or to hold them in a separate account, though doing so is recommended.

• No statutory cap on security deposit amounts
• No requirement to pay interest or hold deposits in a separate account
• Deposits may be applied to unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear
• Landlords must comply with the return timeline and itemization requirements of § 4461

Vermont requires several disclosures before or at the start of a tenancy. Vermont has its own lead paint notification requirements in addition to the federal rules, making compliance especially important for older properties.

• Lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 properties — Vermont requires compliance with both federal (42 U.S.C. § 4852d) and state (18 V.S.A. § 1759) lead paint notification rules
• Name and address of the landlord or authorized agent for notices and service of process
• Written notice of any pending habitability violations or building code deficiencies
• Disclosure of the existence of any surety bond or insurance in lieu of a deposit, if applicable

Rent is due on the date specified in the lease agreement. Vermont does not mandate a grace period by statute, but many leases include one. Late fees are permitted if stated in the lease and must be reasonable in amount.

• No statutory grace period — rent is due on the date stated in the lease
• Late fees are enforceable if specified in the lease and are reasonable
• Landlords may accept partial payments without waiving the right to collect the balance, if the lease so provides
• Landlords may specify accepted payment methods in the rental agreement

Under 9 V.S.A. § 4457, landlords must maintain the rental premises in compliance with all applicable building, housing, and health regulations. Vermont landlords have a strong obligation to keep the property safe and habitable throughout the tenancy.

• Maintain the premises in compliance with applicable building, housing, and health codes (§ 4457)
• Keep common areas clean and safe
• Maintain plumbing, electrical, heating, and ventilation systems in good working order
• Provide adequate weatherproofing, running water, hot water, and heat

Vermont requires landlords to provide at least 48 hours' notice before entering a rental unit, except in emergencies. Entry must be at reasonable times and for legitimate purposes such as inspections, repairs, or showing the property (9 V.S.A. § 4460).

• Minimum 48 hours' notice required for non-emergency entry (§ 4460)
• Entry must be at reasonable times during normal hours
• No notice required in genuine emergencies (e.g., fire, flood, gas leak)
• Tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent to lawful entry

Vermont does not have statewide rent control. However, the city of Burlington has enacted its own rent stabilization ordinance that may apply to certain rental properties. For month-to-month tenancies outside of rent-regulated areas, landlords must provide at least 60 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect (9 V.S.A. § 4467(c)).

• No statewide rent control, but Burlington has local rent stabilization rules
• 60 days' written notice required for month-to-month rent increases (§ 4467(c))
• Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease unless the lease permits it
• Rent increases must not be retaliatory (§ 4465)

Vermont's notice requirements for terminating a tenancy are more protective of tenants than many other states. The required notice period depends on the tenancy type and the reason for termination.

• Month-to-month tenancy (tenant-initiated): one full rental period's notice, minimum 21 days (9 V.S.A. § 4467(a))
• Month-to-month tenancy (landlord-initiated): 60 days' written notice with cause, or 90 days without cause (§ 4467(c))
• Fixed-term lease: ends at lease expiration; landlord must give 60 days' notice if not renewing
• Nonpayment of rent: 14 days' written notice to pay or vacate (§ 4467(b))

Vermont evictions are handled through an ejectment action filed in the Superior Court, Civil Division. The landlord must provide the required written notice before filing. For nonpayment of rent, the tenant has 14 days to pay or vacate (9 V.S.A. § 4467(b)).

• Serve the required written notice (14 days for nonpayment; 30 days for lease violations)
• File an ejectment complaint in Superior Court if the tenant does not comply
• The tenant has the right to respond and appear at a hearing
• If the court rules for the landlord, a writ of possession is issued

Under 9 V.S.A. § 4461, landlords must return the security deposit within 14 days after the tenant vacates. If any portion is withheld, the landlord must provide an itemized written statement of the deductions along with any remaining balance within the same 14-day window.

• Return deadline: 14 days after the tenant vacates (§ 4461)
• Permissible deductions: unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear
• An itemized written statement of deductions must accompany any withheld amount
• Failure to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement may result in the landlord forfeiting the right to withhold any portion and owing damages