Landlord Tenant Laws in Vermont (VT)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Vermont's landlord-tenant laws are governed by Vt. Stat. tit. 9, § 4451 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of A (Very Tenant-Friendly) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. Vermont is tenant-friendly. Strong habitability protections and anti-retaliation provisions. Tenants may withhold rent and repair-and-deduct. Burlington has additional local tenant protections. Eviction requires 14-day notice for nonpayment.
Security Deposit Rules in Vermont
Vermont does not impose a statutory cap on security deposits, meaning landlords can charge any amount they choose. However, excessively high deposits may discourage prospective tenants and could be challenged in court as unconscionable. Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in Vermont
In Vermont, a landlord must provide 14 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is one of the longer notice periods nationally, giving tenants meaningful time to pay overdue rent or find alternative housing. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Vermont.
Tenant Rights in Vermont
Tenants in Vermont have robust remedies when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions. Both rent withholding and repair-and-deduct are available, giving tenants meaningful leverage to compel necessary repairs. However, tenants must follow the proper legal procedure — typically providing written notice and allowing the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs — before exercising these remedies.
Rent Control in Vermont
Vermont allows individual cities and municipalities to adopt their own rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. This means tenant protections can vary significantly depending on where you live within the state. Check your local city ordinances for specific rent control provisions.
Landlord Obligations in Vermont
Landlords in Vermont are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide 2 days notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 14 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in Vermont
Many cities in Vermont have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 3 major cities.
Burlington
Burlington has additional local tenant protections including just cause eviction requirements and a housing code enforcement program.
South Burlington
Follows state law without additional local protections.
Montpelier
State capital follows Vermont landlord-tenant law.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. Vermont scores 79 out of 100, earning a grade of A (Very Tenant-Friendly).
How Vermont Compares
Below is a comparison of Vermont with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where Vermont falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont (VT) | 79 | A | No statutory limit | 14 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| New Jersey (NJ) | 78 | A | 1.5 months' rent | 30 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| California (CA) | 81 | A | 1 month's rent | 3 days | Statewide Rent Control |
| Delaware (DE) | 76 | A | 1 month's rent (no pet deposit limit beyond security deposit) | 5 days | No Rent Control |
| New York (NY) | 85 | A | 1 month's rent | 14 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Hawaii (HI) | 72 | B | 1 month's rent | 5 days | No Rent Control |
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Vermont?
In Vermont, the security deposit limit is No statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit within 14 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in Vermont?
For nonpayment of rent, Vermont requires 14 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in Vermont if my landlord won't make repairs?
Yes, Vermont allows tenants to withhold rent for habitability issues after providing written notice and allowing reasonable time for repairs.
Does Vermont have rent control?
Vermont allows local municipalities to enact rent control. Check with your city for local rules.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Vermont?
Landlords in Vermont must give 2 days notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of Vermont are primarily found in Vt. Stat. tit. 9, § 4451 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.