Vermont Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Vermont gives landlords only 14 days to return a deposit — and one who misses the deadline forfeits the right to keep any of it (9 V.S.A. § 4461). Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 30 days’ notice, or 60 days once the tenant has lived there more than two years.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Vermont?
A Vermont landlord has 14 days after the tenant vacates to return the deposit with an itemized statement; seasonal rentals allow 60 days.
| Maximum Deposit | No statutory limit |
| Return Deadline | 14 days (60 days for seasonal rentals) |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required; a missed deadline forfeits the right to withhold |
| Statute Reference | 9 V.S.A. § 4461 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Vermont?
Vermont does not cap rent increases, but a landlord must give 60 days’ written notice before one takes effect.
| Late Fee Limit | No statutory cap |
| Rent Control Status | No rent control |
| Rent Increase Notice | 60 days |
| Statute Reference | 9 V.S.A. § 4455 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Vermont
A Vermont eviction for unpaid rent starts with a 14-day notice; other breaches need 30 days, or 14 days for illegal activity.
| Non-Payment Notice | 14 days |
| Lease Violation Notice | 30 days |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days (2 years or less); 60 days (more than 2 years) |
| Illegal Activity | 14 days |
| Statute Reference | 9 V.S.A. § 4467 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Vermont?
No. Vermont requires 48 hours’ notice and entry between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | 48 hours, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, show the unit |
| Statute Reference | 9 V.S.A. § 4460 |
What Must a Vermont Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure and Vermont essential maintenance practices compliance (pre-1978 housing)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Vermont?
Vermont landlords must keep the unit safe, clean and fit for habitation; tenants can withhold rent or repair and deduct up to half a month’s rent.
What Vermont landlords must maintain
- • Keep the unit in a safe, clean and fit condition (9 V.S.A. § 4457)
- • Comply with health and housing codes
What a Vermont tenant can do
- • Withhold rent for serious noncompliance (9 V.S.A. § 4458)
- • Repair and deduct (limit below)
| Repair & Deduct | Up to half of one month’s rent |
| Statute Reference | 9 V.S.A. §§ 4457 to 4459 |