by Cyndi Li

Created on: November 06, 2011   Last Updated: January 19, 2012

Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord in Vermont, it’s important that you understand what your rights and obligations are with regard to residential rental property agreements before you enter into one. Even if you’re currently under an agreement, it’s still a good idea to educate yourself with regard to what you can and can’t do as a tenant or a landlord. Here’s a brief overview of

Vermont tenant landlord laws that will get you started.

The rental agreement

There are actually no laws on the books in Vermont that require a landlord to provide a written rental agreement to a tenant. A verbal agreement is just as binding as a written one. However, it is always better for both parties to have the terms of the agreement spelled out in black and white in the event an issue arises.

The security deposit

There is no law that puts a cap on the amount of money a landlord may require from a tenant for the security deposit. Additionally, there is no law that states the tenant is entitled to interest on the security deposit in Vermont. Note: these two laws are not applicable in Burlington and Barre, Vermont. A security deposit is to be refunded to a tenant when they move out of the premises. However, the landlord may retain some or all of the deposit to cover the cost of any damages to the dwelling that are above and beyond normal wear and tear. The deposit may also be withheld to cover any unpaid utility bills, or for the removal of items left behind by the tenant.

Landlord responsibilities

A landlord in Vermont is obligated to provide the tenant with a habitable dwelling that includes a properly working heating and or cooling system (Where applicable) that meets state and federal building and housing codes. If a breakdown of these systems occurs while the premises are inhabited by a tenant, the landlord is required to have the system repaired in a timely manner.

A landlord cannot enforce a rental agreement that impedes on any rights the tenant has as stated by federal, state or local laws.

It is illegal for a landlord in Vermont to refuse to rent to or show a potential rental property on the basis of a tenant’s race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or handicap (as defined by law), presence of minor children, because the tenant receives public assistance, or because of the gender identity of the tenant.

A landlord does reserve the right to refuse to rent to a tenant who

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>