Vermont Tenant Resources
Your comprehensive guide to rental laws, guidelines and advocacy in Vermont
What are the late fee regulations in Vermont?
In Vermont, late fees must be reasonable and clearly specified in the written rental agreement. While Vermont law doesn't set specific caps on late fees, they must be a reasonable estimate of costs incurred by the landlord due to late payment. Courts generally consider fees reasonable if they don't exceed 5% of the monthly rent. The rental agreement must specify the grace period and when late fees will be assessed. Landlords cannot charge interest on late fees, and fees cannot be used as a penalty.
What are the rules for security deposits in Vermont?
Under Vermont law (9 V.S.A. § 4461), security deposits are limited to two months' rent for unfurnished units or three months' rent for furnished units. Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days after the tenant vacates if there are no damages, or within 60 days if there are damages, providing an itemized list of deductions. Security deposits must be held in a separate bank account. Interest must be paid on deposits held for more than one year in buildings with four or more units. If the landlord fails to return the deposit within the required timeframe, the tenant may be entitled to double the deposit amount.
What are the eviction rules and tenant protections in Vermont?
Vermont landlord-tenant law (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137) governs evictions. Landlords must provide: 1) 14-day notice for non-payment of rent, 2) 30-day notice for lease violations, 3) 60-day notice for month-to-month termination (90 days if tenancy is over 2 years). Self-help eviction is prohibited - landlords must obtain a court order. Vermont law provides strong protections for victims of domestic violence (15 V.S.A. § 1103). Tenants can defend against eviction if the landlord failed to maintain the property or retaliated against the tenant for exercising legal rights. During eviction proceedings, tenants have the right to cure lease violations. All notices must be in writing and properly served according to state law.
What are the maintenance requirements for landlords in Vermont?
Vermont law (9 V.S.A. § 4457) requires landlords to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition. Requirements include: 1) Maintaining essential services including electrical, plumbing, heating systems (air conditioning is not required), 2) Keeping the property structurally sound and weatherproof, 3) Maintaining common areas in a safe and clean condition, 4) Providing proper waste disposal, 5) Complying with applicable building, housing, and health codes. Tenants must provide written notice of needed repairs. Landlords must make repairs within a reasonable time after receiving notice (immediately for emergency repairs). If repairs aren't made, tenants may pursue legal remedies under Vermont law, including rent withholding, repair and deduct remedies, or lease termination.
What notice is required for landlord entry in Vermont?
Under Vermont law (9 V.S.A. § 4460), landlords must provide at least 48 hours notice before entering a rental unit, except in emergencies. Entry must be at reasonable times (typically 9 AM to 6 PM unless otherwise agreed). The notice should specify the purpose of entry and approximate time. Valid reasons for entry include repairs, inspections, or showing the unit to prospective tenants/buyers. Tenants cannot unreasonably withhold consent to enter. The law strongly protects tenants' right to quiet enjoyment, and landlords cannot abuse their right of access or use it to harass tenants. Violations may be grounds for lease termination or legal action under Vermont law.
What are the rules for rent increases in Vermont?
In Vermont, for month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least 60 days' written notice before increasing rent (90 days for tenancies over 2 years). For fixed-term leases, rent can only be increased at the end of the lease term unless the lease specifically allows for increases during the term. Vermont has no state-wide rent control laws, but increases cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory. The notice must be in writing and properly delivered to the tenant. Local ordinances may have additional requirements. Major cities like Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, and Montpelier may have specific guidelines. Any rent increase during a fixed-term lease must be explicitly allowed in the original lease agreement.
What are my rights regarding repairs in Vermont?
Under Vermont law (9 V.S.A. § 4457-4458), tenants have the right to: 1) A habitable living space that meets building, housing, and health codes, 2) Written notice to landlord of needed repairs, 3) Reasonable time for landlord to make repairs after notice (immediate response for emergencies). If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs, tenants may: 1) Withhold rent until repairs are made, 2) Make repairs and deduct the cost from rent (following specific statutory procedures), 3) File a complaint with local housing authorities, 4) Pursue legal remedies including rent abatement. The warranty of habitability is implied in every residential lease. Tenants should document all repair requests with photos and written communications. Vermont law provides specific procedures for repair-and-deduct remedies under 9 V.S.A. § 4459.
What are Vermont's requirements for smoke detectors?
Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code requires working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all rental properties. Requirements include: 1) At least one smoke detector in each bedroom, 2) Smoke detectors outside each sleeping area, 3) At least one smoke detector on each floor, 4) Carbon monoxide detectors on each habitable floor and outside sleeping areas. Landlords must: 1) Install and maintain working detectors, 2) Inspect and repair detectors at the start of tenancy, 3) Repair or replace non-functioning detectors promptly after notification, 4) Follow manufacturer guidelines for replacement. Tenants are responsible for testing detectors regularly and replacing batteries. Tampering with detectors is prohibited and may result in penalties under state law.
What disclosures are required from Vermont landlords?
Vermont landlords must disclose: • Lead paint hazards (pre-1978 buildings) with federal and state forms • Security deposit terms and location (9 V.S.A. § 4461) • Property owner/manager contact information • Utility arrangements and responsibilities • Known defects or damage • Move-in inspection documentation • Building code violations • Smoke and carbon monoxide detector locations and maintenance • Flood zone status (if applicable) • Energy efficiency rating (required by state law) • Pest infestations and treatments • Rental housing health code compliance • HOA rules (if applicable) • Emergency maintenance contacts • Foreclosure proceedings (if applicable) • Fire safety systems • Utility metering arrangements • Parking policies • Snow removal responsibilities • Recycling and waste disposal requirements
What are the rules about security deposit deductions in Vermont?
Under Vermont law (9 V.S.A. § 4461), landlords can deduct from security deposits for: 1) Unpaid rent or utilities, 2) Damage beyond normal wear and tear, 3) Other breaches of the lease. Landlords must provide an itemized list of deductions within 14 days of move-out if there are no damages, or within 60 days if there are damages, and return the remaining deposit. Security deposits are limited to two months' rent for unfurnished units or three months' rent for furnished units. Tenants should document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with photos and a written inventory. If landlords fail to comply with these requirements, they may be liable for double the deposit amount. Interest must be paid on deposits held for more than one year in buildings with four or more units.
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Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. While we strive to keep the information up-to-date and accurate, laws and regulations can change frequently. Specific situations may vary, and the application of rental laws can depend on numerous factors. We recommend consulting with a qualified legal professional for advice regarding your specific circumstances.
