Vermont Landlord Laws

Vermont is generally considered a tenant-friendly state, with strict rules around evictions, habitability, and tenant protections. The state limits how and when rent can be raised, how much notice is required before entry, and what deductions can be made from security deposits. For landlords, this means careful compliance with Vermont landlord laws is vital. However, with proper planning, managing rental property in Vermont can still be a reliable and rewarding investment.

Property owners in Vermont must follow Vermont landlord laws at the federal, state, and local levels. These laws govern everything from lease agreements and required disclosures to repairs, evictions, and fair housing. Vermont also has several consumer protection provisions that further regulate the rental relationship. As a landlord, you must understand these laws before drafting lease terms or enforcing rental policies.

You can find Vermont’s landlord rental laws in the Vermont Statutes Annotated (VSA) and through state agencies like the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development. This article summarizes the main state-level landlord-tenant laws, but it is not exhaustive. Local ordinances often impose additional requirements. If you’re unsure about your legal obligations or face a tenant dispute, consult an experienced Vermont real estate attorney.

Disclaimer: Innago does not provide legal advice. The content and materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and many not be the most up-to-date information.

Vermont Quick Facts

Rights and Responsibilities of Vermont Landlords and Tenants

Vermont landlords and tenants both have defined rights and responsibilities under state law. For example, landlords must provide housing that is safe, sanitary, and in good repair, while tenants must pay rent on time and keep the unit in good condition. In return, landlords have the right to collect rent and maintain their property, and tenants have the right to privacy, repairs, and protection from unlawful eviction. Lease agreements outline many of these duties, but lease terms are only valid if they comply with Vermont landlord laws.

Below is an overview of the main rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants under Vermont landlord laws.

Vermont landlords have the right to:

• Collect rent as stated in the lease agreement.
• Hold a security deposit up to one month’s rent and make deductions for damages, unpaid rent, or other lawful charges according to Vermont landlord laws.
• Screen applicants using consistent, non-discriminatory criteria.
• Enter the unit for inspections, repairs, or showings with at least 48 hours’ notice, unless there’s an emergency.
• Enforce reasonable lease terms, including those related to smoking, pets, and property use.
• Begin the eviction process for nonpayment of rent, lease violations, or refusal to vacate after notice.
• Recover possession of the unit through a court order if a tenant remains past lease expiration or violates the lease.

Vermont landlords are responsible for:

• Providing housing that meets Vermont’s rental housing code, including working plumbing, heat, and smoke detectors to protect tenant well-being.
• Responding to repair and maintenance requests within a reasonable timeframe as required by Vermont landlord laws.
• Following state and federal laws regarding fair housing.
• Returning the security deposit within 14 days of the tenant moving out, along with an itemized list of deductions, if any.
• Providing notice before entering the property, which is 48 hours for non-emergencies.
• Maintaining common areas in a safe and clean condition.
• Giving proper written notice before increasing rent or changing the lease.

Vermont tenants have the right to:

• Live in a habitable, code-compliant rented property with essential utilities and structural safety, as ensured by Vermont landlord laws.
• Receive advance written notice before the landlord enters the unit.
• Request necessary repairs and receive them within a reasonable time.
• Take legal action if the landlord engages in harassment, discrimination, or fails to maintain the unit.
• Be protected from landlord retaliation if they take legal action against discrimination or unfair treatment.
• Enjoy quiet peace of the property without landlord interference.
• Receive notice before eviction proceedings or rent increases.
• Withhold rent or seek court remedies if the landlord fails to address serious health regulations or safety concerns.

Vermont tenants are responsible for:

• Paying rent in full and on time, including utilities if agreed upon in the lease.
• Keeping the unit clean and not causing damage beyond normal wear and tear.
• Informing the landlord of necessary repairs or dangerous conditions.
• Following all lease rules, including those about smoking, noise, and guests.
• Providing proper notice before moving out or ending the lease.
• Using the rental legally for residential purposes only.
• Cooperating with necessary inspections or repairs after proper notice as mandated by Vermont landlord laws.

Vermont Required Disclosures

Required disclosures are details that Vermont landlords must provide to tenants before entering into a lease agreement. These disclosures ensure transparency and protect tenant rights by outlining key information about the rental property. Below is the required disclosure landlords must provide in Vermont.

• Lead-based paint (Title X, Section 1018). Landlords in all 50 states must include information about lead-based paint hazards in the rental agreements for most properties built before 1978. Sellers and landlords must distribute an EPA-approved information pamphlet called “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” and disclose any known lead hazards in the property. These obligations were established by Section 1018 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.

Additional Reading: Vermont Residential Lease Agreement

Vermont Rent and Fee Laws

Vermont regulates various parts of rent collection and tenant charges, including rent increase notice requirements and a statewide ban on application fees. While the state does not impose rent control or set limits on late fees, it does give tenants strong remedies if landlords fail to meet their obligations. Below are the rent and fee laws that Vermont landlords should know.

Rent Payments

• Due Date: Rent is due at the time and place agreed on in the lease (9 VSA § 4455).
• Rent Increases: There is no statewide rent control in Vermont. However, landlords must give at least 60 days’ notice for rent increases, which must take effect on the first day of the next rental period (9 VSA § 4455(b)).
• Grace Period: There is no mandatory grace period in Vermont.

Fees

• Application Fees: Rental application fees are prohibited in Vermont. A landlord may not charge any fee to a prospective tenant to apply to enter into a rental agreement (9 VSA § 4456a).
• Late Fees: There are no statutory limits on a late fee charge for rent in Vermont.
• NSF/Bounced Check Fee Maximum: There is no defined service fee for bounced checks in Vermont. See 9 VSA § 2311 for civil penalties for bad checks.

Tenant Remedies

• Withholding Rent/Repair and Deduct: If the landlord fails to fulfill their obligations for habitability, the tenant has the right to both withhold rent or repair and deduct. If the noncompliance materially affects health and safety, the tenant may send notice of the noncompliance to the landlord, wait a reasonable time, then withhold rent until the breach is remedied. The tenant may also obtain injunctive relief, recover reasonable damages and attorney’s fees, and terminate the Vermont lease agreement with reasonable notice (9 VSA § 4458). If the landlord fails to repair a minor defect after 30 days of notice, the tenant may arrange for the repair and deduct the cost from the rent, so long as it does not exceed one-half of one month’s rent. The tenant must also provide the landlord with actual notice of the cost of the repair (9 VSA § 4459).

Vermont Security Deposit Laws

Vermont offers landlords flexibility in how they handle security deposits, with no statewide cap on the amount that can be charged and no requirement to hold deposits in a separate account. However, landlords must follow strict rules when returning the deposit and providing itemized deductions. Below are the main security deposit laws Vermont landlords must follow.

• Deposit Limit: There is no limit on security deposit amounts in Vermont.
• Interest: Landlords in Vermont are not required to pay interest on security deposits. However, a town or municipality in Vermont may adopt an ordinance that requires the payment of interest (9 VSA § 4461(g)).
• Return Within: 14 days (9 VSA § 4461(c)).
• Deposit Location: Landlords are not required to keep security deposits in a separate bank account. In fact, towns and municipalities in Vermont are prohibited from passing any ordinance that limits how a security deposit is held (9 VSA § 4461(g)).
• Withholding: Landlords may withhold funds from the security deposit for unpaid rent, unpaid utility bills, damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear or outside the tenant’s control, and expenses required to remove the tenant’s abandoned belongings. The landlord must also deliver to the tenant a written statement itemizing any deductions (9 VSA § 4461(b-c)).

Vermont Tenant Screening and Fair Housing Protections

What actions are considered housing discrimination?

Tenants in Vermont are protected from housing discrimination under both federal and state law. The Federal Fair Housing Act (Title 24 USC § 3601-3607)) prohibits landlords from making housing decisions based on protected characteristics. Discrimination can happen at any point in the rental process, including:

• Accepting or rejecting rental applications
• Advertising or marketing a unit
• Setting screening criteria or applying them inconsistently
• During the tenant selection process
• Determining rent amounts or applying different terms to different tenants
• Performing maintenance or providing services unequally
• Pursuing eviction or refusing to renew a lease
• Communicating in a way that deters protected groups from applying
• etc.

What are the protected classes in Vermont?

In addition to the seven federally protected classes—race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability—Vermont law adds additional categories. Under 9 VSA § 4503, Vermont landlords may not discriminate based on:

• Age
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Marital status
• Credit history
• Receipt of public assistance (including housing vouchers)
• Status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking

These laws ensure that all Vermont renters receive fair and equal treatment, regardless of their background or income source. Landlords must apply screening standards consistently and cannot refuse to rent based on participation in programs like Section 8.

Use of Credit Reports

Vermont landlords are subject to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) (15 USC § 1681), which outlines the responsibilities of landlords to protect tenant credit information. According to the Act, landlords may not share tenant credit information with anyone without a legal reason to view it. They must also investigate disputed information, dispose of credit reports after use in tenant screening, and notify applicants when their credit score or history was the reason for their denial.

Use of Criminal Histories

Criminal background checks may be used during tenant screening in Vermont. Vermont landlords should follow HUD recommendations for using criminal background checks fairly. This includes avoiding blanket policies for denying potential tenants with criminal convictions, assessing applicants and their criminal histories on a case-by-case basis, and only denying an applicant when they demonstrate a risk to the safety of other residents or the property.

Additional Reading: Vermont Background Checks & Screening Online

Vermont Landlord Entry Laws

Vermont landlord laws protects tenants’ right to privacy while allowing landlords to access the rental unit for valid reasons. Landlords must follow strict rules regarding notice, timing, and purpose of entry. Below are the main entry requirements for landlords in Vermont.

• Advanced Notice: 48 hours’ (9 VSA § 4460(b)).
• Permitted Times: 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Acceptable reasons for entry include inspections, repairs, alterations, improvements, services, or showings (9 VSA § 4460(b)).
• Emergency Entry: If the landlord has a reasonable belief that there is imminent danger to a person or the property, they may enter the dwelling unit without prior tenant consent or notice (9 VSA § 4460(c)).

Vermont Eviction Notices

Evictions are complex legal processes often poorly understood by both parties. Before pursuing an eviction lawsuit in Vermont, consider hiring an experienced real estate attorney and be sure to review the Vermont eviction process in more detail.

To begin the eviction process in Vermont, landlords must serve the tenant with a written notice. The type and length of notice required depends on the reason for the eviction:

• Rent Demand Notice: 14 days to pay or quit (9 VSA § 4467(a)).
• Notice for Lease Violation: 30 days to quit (9 VSA § 4467(b)(1)).
• Unconditional Notice to Quit: 14 days to quit. According to Vermont eviction law, this notice applies when the tenant participates in criminal activity, illegal drug activity, or acts of violence that threaten the health or safety of other residents (9 VSA § 4467(b)(2)).

Additional Reading: Vermont Eviction Process and Laws [2025]

Vermont Squatter’s Rights

Squatters are individuals who occupy a property without the owner’s permission or a valid lease agreement. In Vermont, landlords must follow the formal eviction process to remove squatters. The law does not allow landlords to use self-help measures such as changing the locks, shutting off utilities, or physically removing the individual, even if the person never had a lease.

To remove a squatter, the property owner must serve a legal notice and file an eviction action through the court system. If the court rules in the landlord’s favor, law enforcement will carry out the removal. Trying to evict a squatter without a court order violates Vermont law and could lead to legal consequences for the landlord.

Vermont also recognizes adverse possession, but only in rare cases and under strict condition such as continuous, open, and hostile possession of the property for at least 15 years. However, adverse possession does not apply to tenants or squatters who had permission at any point.

If you discover an squatter in your property, follow the legal process and speak with a qualified attorney.

Additional Reading: Vermont Squatter's Rights & Adverse Possession Laws [2025]

Other Laws and Facts About Vermont

• The current average rent rate in Vermont is $2,075 per month, according to Zillow.
• The average rent rate in Burlington is $2,200 per month, according to Zillow.
• If a tenant in Vermont abandons a dwelling unit and does not claim it by paying the cost of storage and expenses within 60 days, the landlord may reclaim possession of the property and dispose of any personal property remaining on the leased premises (9 VSA § 4462).

Conclusion

Managing rental property in Vermont requires careful adherence to various laws and regulations to ensure a smooth and compliant operation. While the state's tenant-friendly policies can seem daunting, landlords can still find success and enjoy rewarding investments with proper planning and understanding of the state’s legal landscape. By following the outlined guidelines and maintaining clear communication with tenants, landlords can foster positive relationships and create thriving rental communities. Remember, when in doubt, consult with a qualified Vermont real estate attorney to navigate any legal challenges effectively.

FAQs

What are the key rights and responsibilities for Vermont landlords?

Vermont landlords have the right to collect rent, hold a security deposit, screen applicants, and enter units with proper notice. They are responsible for providing safe and habitable housing, responding to repair requests, and complying with fair housing laws.

How much notice must a landlord provide before entering a rental unit in Vermont?

Landlords must provide at least 48 hours’ notice before entering a rental property for inspections, repairs, or showings, unless it's an emergency.

Are there limits on security deposits in Vermont?

There is no statewide limit on security deposit amounts in Vermont. However, landlords must return the deposit within 14 days of lease termination, providing an itemized list of any deductions.

Can Vermont landlords charge application fees?

No, Vermont prohibits landlords from charging application fees to prospective tenants.

What are the rules for raising rent in Vermont?

Landlords must give at least 60 days’ notice for rent increases, which must take effect on the first day of the next rental period. Vermont has no statewide rent control statutes.

What should a landlord do if they discover a squatter?

Landlords must follow the formal eviction process through the court system to remove a squatter. Self-help measures, such as changing locks, are illegal.

What disclosures are required for landlords in Vermont?

Landlords must disclose any known lead-based paint hazards in properties built before 1978, as required by federal law.

What actions are considered housing discrimination in Vermont?

Discrimination includes any unequal treatment based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and others.

How can tenants address habitability issues in their rental?

Tenants may withhold rent or repair and deduct costs if the landlord fails to address serious health or safety concerns after proper notice.

Where can I find more information on Vermont’s rental laws?

Vermont's rental laws can be found in the Vermont Statutes Annotated (VSA) and through the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development.

Free Downloads

1. Vermont Residential Lease Agreement Template
2. Vermont Quitclaim Deed
3. Vermont Eviction Complaint Form
4. Vermont 60-Day Rent Increase Notice
5. Vermont Security Deposit Return Letter
6. Vermont Repair and Deduct Letter to Landlord

Resources

1. Vermont Eviction Process & Laws [2025]
2. The Vermont Statutes Online
3. Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development
4. Vermont Housing Market Trends & Forecast
5. Real Estate Terms & Definitions