Vermont · Renters' rights · Updated Oct 2026
Vermont tenant rights
Security deposits, repairs, landlord entry, notices and evictions in Vermont, in plain English from official sources, with free tools to get your deposit back and ask for repairs.
Guides for Vermont renters
Security deposit
Limit, deadline, deductions, penalty and the calculator.
Repairs
The landlord's duty, repair and deduct, withholding rent and a repair letter.
Eviction
Notice periods, court deadlines, illegal lockouts and a timeline tool.
Security deposit in Vermont
- Limit
- No statewide limit.
- Deadline to return it
- Within 14 days after you move out (if you told the landlord your move-out date), or 14 days after the landlord discovers you moved out or abandoned the unit, the landlord must hand-deliver or mail to your last known address the deposit and a written statement itemizing any deductions. Seasonal rentals that are not a primary residence: 60 days. Give the landlord your forwarding address and move-out date in writing.
- Itemized list
- Yes, a written statement itemizing any deductions, sent with the deposit within 14 days. Receipts are not required by the law.
- What may be deducted
- Unpaid rent; damage to the landlord's property beyond normal wear and tear (and not caused by events beyond your control); unpaid utility or other charges you were required to pay to the landlord or a utility; and the cost of removing things you abandoned.
- Interest
- No statewide requirement. A town may adopt an ordinance requiring interest.
- If the landlord keeps it wrongly
- If the landlord misses the 14-day deadline, the landlord forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit. If the failure is willful, the landlord owes you double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees and costs.
How to get your deposit back
- Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
- Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Vermont: Within 14 days after you move out (if you told the landlord your move-out date), or 14 days after the landlord discovers you moved out or abandoned the unit, the landlord must hand-deliver or mail to your last known address the deposit and a written statement itemizing any deductions.
- Wait for the deadline: Within 14 days after you move out (if you told the landlord your move-out date), or 14 days after the landlord discovers you moved out or abandoned the unit, the landlord must hand-deliver or mail to your last known address the deposit and a written statement itemizing any deductions.
- If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
- If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $10,000. Small claims court in Vermont on Small Claims Map
Repairs in Vermont
- The landlord's duty
- Warranty of habitability: the landlord must deliver and keep the home safe, clean and fit to live in and up to building, housing and health codes, provide heating able to safely give a reasonable amount of heat (and supply reasonable heat if heat is included), and an adequate supply of hot and cold water. You cannot waive this. 9 V.S.A. 4457.
- How to ask for repairs
- Give the landlord actual notice (in writing is best; keep a copy). For a serious health or safety problem, also call your town health officer or the state Division of Fire Safety for an inspection; their notice counts. Minor defects: the landlord has 30 days.
- Repair and deduct
- Allowed for minor defects. If the landlord does not fix a minor defect within 30 days after notice, you may fix it and deduct the actual, reasonable cost from rent, up to half of one month's rent. Tell the landlord the cost when you deduct it. 9 V.S.A. 4459.
- Withholding rent
- Allowed for serious problems. If the landlord gets actual notice (from you, a government inspector or a qualified independent inspector), does not repair within a reasonable time, and the problem materially affects health and safety, you may withhold rent for the period of the problem, get a court order, recover damages and attorney fees, or end the lease on reasonable notice. Not available if you or your guests caused the problem. 9 V.S.A. 4458.
- Law
- 9 V.S.A. 4457, 4458, 4459
Landlord entry in Vermont
At least 48 hours' notice, and entry only between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., to inspect, make repairs, supply services, or show the unit. The landlord may also enter with your consent, which you should not unreasonably refuse. Without notice or consent only if the landlord reasonably believes there is imminent danger to a person or property. 9 V.S.A. 4460.
Eviction in Vermont
- Notice for unpaid rent
- Written notice ending the tenancy at least 14 days after you receive it. The tenancy does not end if you pay or offer all rent due through the end of the rental period in which you pay. The landlord must file the court case within 60 days after the termination date in the notice.
- Notice for a lease violation
- 30 days' notice for breaking a material lease term or your legal duties (no cure period is stated). 14 days for criminal activity, illegal drug activity or violence that threatens other residents' health or safety.
- Ending a month-to-month tenancy
- Landlord, no written lease, monthly rent: 60 days if you have lived there 2 years or less, 90 days if more than 2 years; weekly rent: 21 days. With a written lease, no-cause notice must come at least 30 days (2 years or less) or 60 days (more than 2 years) before the lease ends; written week-to-week: 7 days. If the building is being sold and there is no written lease: 30 days. Shared housing in the owner's home: 15 days (monthly) or 7 days (weekly). Tenant: unless a written lease says otherwise, give the landlord actual notice at least one full rental period before your move-out date (9 V.S.A. 4456(d)).
- Time to respond to an eviction lawsuit
- Generally 21 days after the sheriff serves you, by filing a written answer with the court and sending a copy to the landlord. If you don't, the landlord can ask for a default judgment. If the landlord asks for rent to be paid into court, you can file a written response at least 14 days before that hearing; if you attend that hearing before your answer is due, your answer deadline becomes 14 days after the hearing (Vermont Judiciary). If the court orders you to pay rent into court and you don't, the landlord can get possession quickly (12 V.S.A. 4853a).
- Lockouts and utility shutoffs
- Yes. The landlord may not shut off utilities (except temporary emergency repairs), lock you out, or keep you from your belongings without going through court. You can sue for a court order, damages, costs and attorney fees. 9 V.S.A. 4463, 4464.
- Court self-help
- The court's eviction self-help page
- Law
- 9 V.S.A. 4463, 4464, 4467; 12 V.S.A. 4853a, 4854
Rent increases and rent control in Vermont
- Notice of a rent increase
- At least 60 days' actual notice. The increase takes effect on the first day of the rental period after the 60 days. 9 V.S.A. 4455(b). Age-restricted (senior) housing: 60 days' notice on a state form to residents and the Department of Housing and Community Development (since June 2024).
- Rent control
- No statewide rent control. No state law we found bars a town from adopting local rules, so check with your town.
Late fees in Vermont
No statute sets a late fee limit.
Retaliation in Vermont
The landlord may not change your lease terms or bring or threaten an eviction because you complained to a code or health agency, complained to the landlord about a violation of the landlord-tenant law, or joined or organized a tenant union. You can recover damages and attorney fees, and use it as a defense. If the landlord gives a termination notice (other than for nonpayment) within 90 days after a town or state agency notifies the landlord of health or safety violations, retaliation is presumed. 9 V.S.A. 4465.
Small claims court in Vermont
Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer.
Limit: $10,000.
Where to get free help in Vermont
Good to know in Vermont
- No application fees: Vermont landlords may not charge you a fee to apply, and can't require a Social Security number.
- You can withhold rent for serious health or safety problems the landlord won't fix, and repair-and-deduct up to half a month's rent for minor defects.
- You usually have 21 days to file a written answer to an eviction lawsuit.
Recent law changes
Act 181 (2024) added 9 V.S.A. 4468a: 60 days' notice of rent increases in private age-restricted housing (effective June 17, 2024). Act 69 (2025) amended 9 V.S.A. 4456a so landlords must accept any government ID or ITIN instead of a Social Security number for screening (effective July 1, 2025). 9 V.S.A. 4452 (exclusions) was amended by 2023 Act 163 (effective July 1, 2024) and 2025 Act 103 (effective July 1, 2026), and a new 4468b (2025 Act 176, effective July 1, 2026) bars most lease bans on lawful cannabis.
Free tools for Vermont renters
Pre-set for Vermont. They run in your browser and send nothing.
Deposit return calculator for Vermont
Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Security deposit demand letter for Vermont
A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.
Repair request letter for Vermont
Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.
Eviction notice timeline for Vermont
Got a notice from your landlord? Enter the kind of notice and the day you got it to see the dates that follow from your state's rule, what your landlord may not do, and where to get free help fast.
This is not legal advice. Eviction deadlines are short and missing one can cost you your home. Read your notice carefully and contact legal aid or your court's self-help center right away.
Questions about renters' rights in Vermont
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Vermont?
No statewide limit.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Vermont?
Within 14 days after you move out (if you told the landlord your move-out date), or 14 days after the landlord discovers you moved out or abandoned the unit, the landlord must hand-deliver or mail to your last known address the deposit and a written statement itemizing any deductions. Seasonal rentals that are not a primary residence: 60 days. Give the landlord your forwarding address and move-out date in writing.
What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Vermont?
If the landlord misses the 14-day deadline, the landlord forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit. If the failure is willful, the landlord owes you double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees and costs.
What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Vermont?
Unpaid rent; damage to the landlord's property beyond normal wear and tear (and not caused by events beyond your control); unpaid utility or other charges you were required to pay to the landlord or a utility; and the cost of removing things you abandoned.
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Vermont?
No statewide requirement. A town may adopt an ordinance requiring interest.
How do I ask my landlord for repairs in Vermont?
Give the landlord actual notice (in writing is best; keep a copy). For a serious health or safety problem, also call your town health officer or the state Division of Fire Safety for an inspection; their notice counts. Minor defects: the landlord has 30 days.
Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in Vermont?
Allowed for minor defects. If the landlord does not fix a minor defect within 30 days after notice, you may fix it and deduct the actual, reasonable cost from rent, up to half of one month's rent. Tell the landlord the cost when you deduct it. 9 V.S.A. 4459.
Can I withhold rent for repairs in Vermont?
Allowed for serious problems. If the landlord gets actual notice (from you, a government inspector or a qualified independent inspector), does not repair within a reasonable time, and the problem materially affects health and safety, you may withhold rent for the period of the problem, get a court order, recover damages and attorney fees, or end the lease on reasonable notice. Not available if you or your guests caused the problem. 9 V.S.A. 4458.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter in Vermont?
At least 48 hours' notice, and entry only between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., to inspect, make repairs, supply services, or show the unit. The landlord may also enter with your consent, which you should not unreasonably refuse. Without notice or consent only if the landlord reasonably believes there is imminent danger to a person or property. 9 V.S.A. 4460.
How much notice does a landlord have to give for unpaid rent in Vermont?
Written notice ending the tenancy at least 14 days after you receive it. The tenancy does not end if you pay or offer all rent due through the end of the rental period in which you pay. The landlord must file the court case within 60 days after the termination date in the notice.
How much notice for a lease violation in Vermont?
30 days' notice for breaking a material lease term or your legal duties (no cure period is stated). 14 days for criminal activity, illegal drug activity or violence that threatens other residents' health or safety.
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month lease in Vermont?
Landlord, no written lease, monthly rent: 60 days if you have lived there 2 years or less, 90 days if more than 2 years; weekly rent: 21 days. With a written lease, no-cause notice must come at least 30 days (2 years or less) or 60 days (more than 2 years) before the lease ends; written week-to-week: 7 days. If the building is being sold and there is no written lease: 30 days. Shared housing in the owner's home: 15 days (monthly) or 7 days (weekly). Tenant: unless a written lease says otherwise, give the landlord actual notice at least one full rental period before your move-out date (9 V.S.A. 4456(d)).
How long do I have to respond to an eviction lawsuit in Vermont?
Generally 21 days after the sheriff serves you, by filing a written answer with the court and sending a copy to the landlord. If you don't, the landlord can ask for a default judgment. If the landlord asks for rent to be paid into court, you can file a written response at least 14 days before that hearing; if you attend that hearing before your answer is due, your answer deadline becomes 14 days after the hearing (Vermont Judiciary). If the court orders you to pay rent into court and you don't, the landlord can get possession quickly (12 V.S.A. 4853a).
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Vermont?
Yes. The landlord may not shut off utilities (except temporary emergency repairs), lock you out, or keep you from your belongings without going through court. You can sue for a court order, damages, costs and attorney fees. 9 V.S.A. 4463, 4464.
How much notice is needed for a rent increase in Vermont?
At least 60 days' actual notice. The increase takes effect on the first day of the rental period after the 60 days. 9 V.S.A. 4455(b). Age-restricted (senior) housing: 60 days' notice on a state form to residents and the Department of Housing and Community Development (since June 2024).
Is there rent control in Vermont?
No statewide rent control. No state law we found bars a town from adopting local rules, so check with your town.
Is there a limit on late fees in Vermont?
No statute sets a late fee limit.
Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in Vermont?
The landlord may not change your lease terms or bring or threaten an eviction because you complained to a code or health agency, complained to the landlord about a violation of the landlord-tenant law, or joined or organized a tenant union. You can recover damages and attorney fees, and use it as a defense. If the landlord gives a termination notice (other than for nonpayment) within 90 days after a town or state agency notifies the landlord of health or safety violations, retaliation is presumed. 9 V.S.A. 4465.
What is the small claims limit in Vermont?
$10,000.
- 9 V.S.A. 4461
- 12 V.S.A. 4853a, Payment of rent into court
- Vermont Judiciary: Eviction Process
- VTLawHelp.org
Last checked: Oct 2026.