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    Vermont Residential Lease Agreement

    Vermont sets no statewide ceiling on security deposits, but the landlord must refund it within 14 days after move-out.

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    Vermont lease rules at a glance

    Key Vermont rules for a residential lease, with the statute behind each
    RuleWhat the law says
    Security deposit capNo state cap9 V.S.A. § 4461 (no amount limit)
    Deposit return deadline14 days after move-out9 V.S.A. § 4461(c), (d)
    Late feesNo state cap · grace period: no state grace period9 V.S.A. Chapter 137 (no late-fee provision; read in full), 9 V.S.A. § 4455(a) (rent payable at time and place agreed), 9 V.S.A. § 4455(a)
    Landlord entry notice48 hours' notice9 V.S.A. § 4460
    Ending a month-to-month leaseLandlord 60 days · tenant 30 days9 V.S.A. § 4467(c), (e), (f), (h), 9 V.S.A. § 4456(d)
    Rent increase notice60 days (The increase takes effect on the first day of the rental period following at least 60 days' actual notice. Certain privately owned age-restricted housing: written notice to residents and the Department of Housing and Community Development at least 60 days before the effective date, or the increase is unenforceable (§ 4468a). Burlington ordinance reported to require longer notice (ACCD: 3 rental periods))9 V.S.A. § 4455(b), 9 V.S.A. § 4468a
    Rent controlNo statewide rent control9 V.S.A. ch. 137
    Eviction notice for unpaid rent14 days (14-day notice of termination for nonpayment)9 V.S.A. § 4467(a)

    Vermont lease disclosures checklist

    Before the lease is signed, tell the tenant in a separate written notice whether the rental is in a FEMA special flood hazard area, and give the federal lead-paint disclosure for pre-1978 housing (9 V.S.A. § 4466; 42 U.S.C. § 4852d). (9 V.S.A. § 4466)

    • Whether any part of the premises is in a FEMA-mapped special flood hazard area, on the state model form — In advance of the rental agreement, in a separate written document at or before lease signing9 V.S.A. § 4466
    • Lead-based paint disclosure and EPA pamphlet — Housing built before 197842 U.S.C. § 4852d; 40 CFR Part 745 Subpart F

    MakeLease generates a customizable lease; add these Vermont disclosures and terms.

    Before you sign in Vermont

    If a deposit is withheld wrongly
    A landlord who does not return the deposit with a statement within 14 days loses the right to keep any of it, and a willful failure makes the landlord liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees and costs (9 V.S.A. § 4461(e)). (9 V.S.A. § 4461(e))
    Deductions from the deposit
    The deposit must be returned with a written statement itemizing any deductions (9 V.S.A. § 4461(c)). (9 V.S.A. § 4461(b)-(c))
    Interest on the deposit
    Vermont state law does not require interest on security deposits, but a town ordinance may require it (9 V.S.A. § 4461(g)). (9 V.S.A. § 4461(g) ('The ordinance may authorize the payment of interest on a security deposit.'))
    Rent control and increases
    Vermont has no rent control law; the Residential Rental Agreements chapter (9 V.S.A. ch. 137) regulates notice and procedure but not the amount of rent. (9 V.S.A. ch. 137)
    If rent goes unpaid
    To end a tenancy for unpaid rent, give actual notice of a termination date at least 14 days away; the tenancy does not end if the tenant pays or tenders the rent due through the end of the rental period in which payment is made (9 V.S.A. § 4467(a)). (9 V.S.A. § 4467(a))

    Vermont lease FAQs

    How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Vermont?

    Vermont state law sets no limit on the amount of a security deposit, though a town ordinance may add deposit rules (9 V.S.A. § 4461) (9 V.S.A. § 4461 (no amount limit)).

    How long does a Vermont landlord have to return a security deposit?

    Landlords must hand-deliver or mail the deposit with a written itemized statement within 14 days after the tenant vacates (or after the landlord discovers the unit was vacated or abandoned), or within 60 days for a seasonal rental that is not a primary residence (9 V.S.A. § 4461(c)-(d)) (9 V.S.A. § 4461(c), (d)).

    Is there a limit on late fees in Vermont?

    Vermont sets no statutory cap on residential late fees; a late fee should be written into the lease and reasonably related to the landlord's cost of collection rather than a penalty, and lease terms that circumvent the chapter are void (9 V.S.A. §§ 4454, 4455) (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137 (no late-fee provision; read in full)). Vermont law sets no grace period before a late fee may be charged; rent is due at the time agreed in the lease (9 V.S.A. § 4455(a)).

    How much notice must a Vermont landlord give before entering a rental?

    Absent the tenant's consent, a Vermont landlord needs at least 48 hours' notice and may enter only between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., except when it reasonably believes there is imminent danger (9 V.S.A. § 4460).

    How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Vermont?

    Without a written lease, a Vermont landlord must give at least 60 days' actual notice to end a monthly tenancy for no cause (90 days once the tenant has lived there over two years), while the tenant need give only one full rental period (9 V.S.A. §§ 4467(c)(1), 4456(d)) (9 V.S.A. § 4467(c), (e), (f), (h)).

    What disclosures does a Vermont lease need?

    Before the lease is signed, tell the tenant in a separate written notice whether the rental is in a FEMA special flood hazard area, and give the federal lead-paint disclosure for pre-1978 housing (9 V.S.A. § 4466; 42 U.S.C. § 4852d). The list covers Whether any part of the premises is in a FEMA-mapped special flood hazard area, on the state model form and Lead-based paint disclosure and EPA pamphlet.

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