Vermont · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Vermont security deposit law

How much a landlord in Vermont can charge, the deadline to return a deposit, what may be deducted, the penalty for keeping it wrongly and how to get yours back.

Short answer

In Vermont, the deposit limit is: No statewide limit. The landlord must return it as follows: 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.

deposit limit
No statewide limit
to return a deposit
14 days
deposit penalty
Up to 2× (willful)

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.
Law
9 V.S.A. 4461

Get your deposit back, step by step

  1. Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
  5. If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $10,000. Small claims court in Vermont on Small Claims Map

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.

Enter your deposit and move-out dateThe result appears as you type.

An estimate from the dates you enter and the rule in our data, not legal advice. We skip weekends only where the rule counts business days, and we don't skip holidays.

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.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

We suggest 14 days.

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

Small claims court in Vermont

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $10,000.

How to file in Vermont

Questions about security deposits 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.

What is the small claims limit in Vermont?

$10,000.

More for Vermont renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.