Vermont Landlord-Tenant Law
Know your rights as a renter in Vermont. This guide covers security deposits, landlord entry, rent increases, eviction protections, and more under Vermont law.
Legal basis: Vermont landlord-tenant law — Vermont Statutes
14
Days to Return Deposit
No limit
Max Deposit
48h
Entry Notice
Not Required
Deposit Escrow
What Vermont law says about deposits
Maximum Deposit
No limit
Return Deadline
14 days60 days for a seasonal rental
Penalties, interest & late-fee rules under Vermont law
If your deposit is wrongfully or late returned
If the landlord does not return the deposit with an itemized statement within the deadline, the landlord loses the right to withhold any part of it; if the failure is willful, the landlord is liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs (9 V.S.A. § 4461(e)).
Interest on your deposit is not required
Grace period
No mandatory grace period
Must be in the lease
Yes — a late fee is only enforceable if it is written into your lease
Your privacy protections
Required Notice Period
48 hours
In Vermont, your landlord must give this notice before entering your rental unit, except in genuine emergencies. This protects your right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your home.
Exceptions: Landlords may enter without notice in cases of emergency (fire, flooding, etc.) or if you've abandoned the property.
60 days notice
Legal basis: 9 V.S.A. § 4455(b)
Reasonable time; 30 days for minor defects
Legal basis: 9 V.S.A. §§ 4457, 4458, 4459
Protected
Legal basis: 9 VSA § 4465
30 days' notice, no penalty
Legal basis: 9 V.S.A. § 4472
Self-help illegal
Legal basis: 9 VSA § 4463
Important facts about Vermont rental law
Vermont has no limit on security deposits.
Vermont landlords must return deposits within 14 days of move-out.
Vermont has some of the fastest deposit return requirements in the country.
Vermont requires landlords to maintain habitable living conditions.
Something else? Contact our team
Vermont does not have a statutory limit on security deposits.
Vermont landlords must return security deposits within 14 days after you move out (60 days for a seasonal rental).
In Vermont, landlords must give 48 hours' notice before entering your rental unit.
Late fees in Vermont: No statutory cap. No mandatory grace period.
60 days notice. At least 60 days' actual notice before a rent increase (9 V.S.A. § 4455(b)). The increase starts on the first day of the rental period after the 60 days (9 V.S.A. § 4455(b)). No statewide rent cap. Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4455(b).
Reasonable time; 30 days for minor defects. Landlord must keep the home safe, clean and fit to live in, with heat and hot and cold water (9 V.S.A. § 4457). After written notice, if a health or safety problem is not fixed within a reasonable time, you may withhold rent for that period, end the lease on reasonable notice, or sue (9 V.S.A. § 4458). The notice can also come from a government or qualified independent inspector (9 V.S.A. § 4458). Minor defect not fixed within 30 days of notice: repair and deduct up to half of one month's rent (9 V.S.A. § 4459). Not available if you or your guests caused the problem (9 V.S.A. §§ 4458(b), 4459(b)). Source: 9 V.S.A. §§ 4457, 4458, 4459.
Protected. Retaliation prohibited. Cannot evict for complaints. Document communications. Source: 9 VSA § 4465.
30 days' notice, no penalty. A victim of abuse, sexual assault or stalking (or a parent or caretaker of one) may end the lease without penalty. Give written notice at least 30 days before the end date, with documentation from a court, police, an assistance program or a professional, or a signed self-certification. The landlord must keep the documentation confidential, and you can ask for a lock change within 48 hours (§ 4473). Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4472.
Self-help illegal. Self-help evictions illegal. Court process required. Utility shutoffs prohibited. Source: 9 VSA § 4463.
Vermont tenants have rights including security deposit protections, notice requirements for landlord entry, habitability standards, and protections against retaliation. Use Honestkey to analyze your specific lease against Vermont law.
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