Vermont (VT) law guide
Quick answer
Vermont landlord-tenant law is governed by 9 V.S.A. Chapter 137. There is no cap on security deposits, and landlords must return them within 14 days of discovering the tenant vacated. Vermont has no statewide rent control, but landlords must give 60 days' written notice before raising rent on a month-to-month tenancy. For nonpayment of rent, the eviction notice period is 14 days.
Security deposit limit
No statutory cap
Deposit return deadline
14 days (60 days for seasonal rentals)
Statewide rent control
None
Nonpayment eviction notice
14 days
Vermont rental market snapshot
Population
647,000
Renter households
27%
Median rent
About $1,600/mo (2BR)
Largest rental markets
Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Barre, Montpelier
Burlington is Vermont's largest city and its tightest rental market, with low vacancy rates driving rents well above the state average. The statewide renter share is relatively small, but demand consistently outpaces supply in urban cores.
Vermont sets no statutory cap on security deposits, so landlords may charge any amount. Most landlords collect one to two months' rent in practice.
Landlords must return the deposit plus a written itemized statement within 14 days of discovering the tenant vacated (or of the move-out date if the tenant gave notice). For seasonal rentals or units not used as a primary residence, the deadline extends to 60 days. Miss the deadline and the landlord forfeits the right to withhold any portion of the deposit.
Vermont has no statewide rent control. Landlords cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least 60 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect (9 V.S.A. § 4455(b)).
Vermont law does not set a statutory cap on late fees or a mandatory grace period. Lease terms govern both, so review the written agreement carefully.
For nonpayment of rent, a landlord must give the tenant at least 14 days' actual notice before the tenancy terminates (9 V.S.A. § 4467(a)). If the tenant pays in full before the termination date, the eviction is typically stopped.
For no-cause termination of a month-to-month tenancy, the notice period is 60 days if the tenant has lived there two years or less, and 90 days if the tenant has lived there more than two years. A landlord must file an eviction action in court within 60 days of the termination date stated in the notice or the notice is invalid.
Landlords must give at least 48 hours' notice before entering a unit and may only enter between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. for inspections, repairs, or showings (9 V.S.A. § 4460(b)). Emergency entry without notice is allowed only when the landlord has a reasonable belief of imminent danger to a person or property.
For repair requests, if a landlord fails to fix a minor defect within 30 days of receiving notice, the tenant may hire someone to fix it and deduct the actual cost from rent, up to one-half of one month's rent. For habitability-level repairs affecting health or safety, tenants may withhold rent after giving the landlord actual notice and a reasonable time to fix the problem.
Vermont landlords must maintain rental units in a safe, habitable condition, including working heat, plumbing, and structural integrity. Tenants who report code violations or organize a tenant union are protected against retaliation under 9 V.S.A. § 4465(a).
A rebuttable presumption of retaliation arises if a landlord serves a termination notice within 90 days of a government inspector finding a violation. Landlords can overcome this presumption by showing a legitimate, non-retaliatory reason for the action.
Vermont follows the federal Fair Housing Act and adds state-level protections. Landlords may not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, religion, age, marital status, or receipt of public assistance. Tenants who experience discrimination can file a complaint with the Vermont Human Rights Commission.
Tenants may break a lease early without penalty for documented domestic violence, and courts may excuse early termination for other qualifying circumstances. Small claims court in Vermont handles disputes up to $5,000, making it a practical route for security deposit disagreements.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: 9 V.S.A. Chapter 137 (Residential Rental Agreements). Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.
Vermont FAQ
Vermont sets **no statutory limit** on security deposits. Landlords can charge any amount they choose, though one to two months' rent is typical. Always get a receipt and document the unit's condition at move-in.
A landlord must return the deposit plus an itemized statement within **14 days** of discovering the tenant has vacated. The deadline is **60 days** for seasonal rentals. If the landlord misses the deadline, they lose the right to keep any portion of the deposit.
No. Vermont has **no statewide rent control** law. Landlords cannot raise rent mid-lease unless the lease allows it, but for month-to-month tenants they may raise rent with **60 days' written notice** and no cap on the increase amount.
A landlord must give **at least 48 hours' notice** and enter only between **9 a.m. and 9 p.m.** Emergency entry without notice is allowed only if there is an imminent threat to a person or property.
The landlord must first serve a **14-day notice**. If the tenant does not pay or vacate, the landlord files in court. The full process from notice to a writ of possession typically takes **four to eight weeks**, depending on court scheduling and whether the tenant contests the eviction.
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