Laws by state / Vermont

Vermont landlord and tenant rules

The figures that decide most disputes between Vermont landlords and tenants, each with a calculator and the statute behind it.

Verified against the statutes 2026-10-22By RentByState Research

Rule	Vermont	Statute	Tool
Maximum security deposit	No statutory limit	9 V.S.A. § 4461	Deposit rules
Deposit return deadline	Deposit and itemized statement returned within 14 days after the landlord discovers the tenant vacated (or the move-out date the tenant gave); 60 days for seasonal rentals not used as a primary residence	9 V.S.A. § 4461	Deposit rules
Interest on the deposit	Not required	9 V.S.A. § 4461
Maximum late fee	No statutory cap	9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (no late-fee provision)	Late fee calculator
Landlord notice, month-to-month	60 days	9 V.S.A. § 4467; § 4456(d); § 4455(b)	Notice calculator
Tenant notice, month-to-month	30 days	9 V.S.A. § 4467; § 4456(d); § 4455(b)	Notice calculator
Rent increase notice	60 days	9 V.S.A. § 4467; § 4456(d); § 4455(b)	Notice calculator
Pay-or-quit notice	14 days	9 V.S.A. § 4467; § 4456(d); § 4455(b)	Notice calculator
Rent increase cap	None statewide

Security deposits in Vermont

Vermont sets no statutory limit on the size of a security deposit. The deposit must be returned deposit and itemized statement returned within 14 days after the landlord discovers the tenant vacated (or the move-out date the tenant gave); 60 days for seasonal rentals not used as a primary residence. No interest is owed on the deposit under state law. Missing the 14-day deadline forfeits the right to withhold; willful violations carry double damages plus fees. State law does not require interest, but a municipality may adopt an ordinance requiring it (Burlington does). Full deposit rules and move-out checklist.

Late fees in Vermont

Vermont sets no statutory cap on late fees. The amount is whatever the lease says, subject to the general rule that it must not be an unconscionable penalty. There is no statutory grace period, so the lease controls when the fee starts. Calculate the maximum fee.

Notice periods in Vermont

A Vermont landlord must give 60 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, and a tenant must give 30 days. A rent increase needs 60 days’ notice. For nonpayment, the landlord must serve a 14-day notice to pay or quit before filing for eviction. Calculate the effective date of a notice.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Vermont?

There is no statutory cap in Vermont; the market and the lease decide. Missing the 14-day deadline forfeits the right to withhold; willful violations carry double damages plus fees. State law does not require interest, but a municipality may adopt an ordinance requiring it (Burlington does).

What is the maximum late fee for rent in Vermont?

There is no statutory maximum in Vermont. No statutory cap or grace period for residential late fees in Vermont; the lease controls. The most common lease figure nationally is 5% of monthly rent, and courts in no-cap states generally accept fees in that range while rejecting ones that look like penalties.

How much notice does a landlord have to give a tenant to move out in Vermont?

60 days’ written notice for a month-to-month tenancy. No written agreement, rent paid monthly: landlord must give at least 60 days' notice for no-cause termination (90 days if the tenant has lived there more than two years; 21 days for weekly). With a written rental agreement: at least 30 days before the end of the term (60 days if more than two years). Tenant: at least one rental period (§ 4456(d)).

How long is a pay-or-quit notice in Vermont?

14 days. The tenant can stop the eviction by paying the full amount within that time.