10 of the 10 rules below carry a statute citation that was read at the official source (most recently October 2026), with the controlling text quoted. The rest are conservative reference values from Aptoria's compliance data and are labeled unverified.
Security deposit size: No statewide cap. 9 V.S.A. § 4461 governs how a deposit is held, applied and returned but sets no maximum amount. (9 V.S.A. § 4461, confirmed 2026-10). Returning the deposit: Return the deposit with a written itemized statement within 14 days from the date the landlord discovers the tenant vacated/abandoned, or the move-out date if the tenant gave notice of it (60 days for seasonal non-primary-residence rentals), by hand delivery or mail to the last known address. Missing the 14 days forfeits the right to withhold anything; willful failure = double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees and costs. (9 V.S.A. § 4461(c), (e), confirmed 2026-10).
How Vermont treats the landlord's core obligations
Late fees: No statewide late-fee cap or grace period. Chapter 137 (Residential Rental Agreements) does not address late charges; rent is payable without demand at the agreed time and place, and acceptance of partial rent does not waive nonpayment remedies. (9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (§§ 4455(a), 4467(a)), confirmed 2026-10). Application fees: Residential application fees are prohibited ($0): a landlord or agent may not charge any fee to apply for a residential rental agreement (commercial/nonresidential excepted). A landlord may not require a Social Security number to complete an application (amended eff. July 1, 2025). (9 V.S.A. § 4456a(a), confirmed 2026-10).
Nonpayment notice: Termination for nonpayment requires actual notice stating a termination date at least 14 days after the notice; the tenancy does not terminate if the tenant pays or tenders rent due through the end of the rental period in which payment is made. Acceptance of partial rent is not a waiver. An ejectment action must be commenced within 60 days of the termination date in the notice (§ 4467(k)). (9 V.S.A. § 4467(a), (k), confirmed 2026-10). Rent increases: A rent increase takes effect on the first day of the rental period following no less than 60 days' actual notice to the tenant. No statewide rent cap (age-restricted housing has a separate notice rule in § 4468a). (9 V.S.A. § 4455(b), confirmed 2026-10). Ending a month-to-month tenancy: Conditional. No written rental agreement, rent paid monthly: at least 60 days' actual notice if the tenant has lived there 2 years or less, 90 days if more than 2 years; weekly rent: 21 days. Written rental agreement: no-cause notice at least 30 days before the end of the stated term (tenancy of 2 years or less) or 60 days (more than 2 years); written week-to-week: 7 days. Sale of building without written agreement: 30 days. Termination date must be stated; action must be filed within 60 days of that date. (9 V.S.A. § 4467(c), (e), (f), (k), confirmed 2026-10). Entry: 48 hours' notice, entry only between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., for inspection, repairs/improvements, agreed services, or showings; otherwise entry only with the tenant's consent (not to be unreasonably withheld). Entry without consent or notice only on reasonable belief of imminent danger to persons or property. (9 V.S.A. § 4460(b), confirmed 2026-10).
Vermont has no statewide rent regulation on file, so any cap on increases would come from a local ordinance. Source-of-income protection is not on file statewide, although cities and counties can add it. Card surcharges on rent: allowed within card-network limits. Managing property for others for compensation has no statewide license requirement on file: Vermont has no statewide property-manager licensing requirement.
Security deposits
What Vermont allows a landlord to collect up front, how it must be held, and the deadline and paperwork for returning it.
Security deposit limit
Source-confirmed 2026-10
No statewide cap. 9 V.S.A. § 4461 governs how a deposit is held, applied and returned but sets no maximum amount.
Municipal ordinances (e.g., Burlington) may add deposit rules; check locally.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “No statewide cap”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The maximum a landlord may collect up front as security against unpaid rent or damage, usually expressed as a multiple of one month's rent. Separate pet, key or cleaning deposits often count toward the same limit.
Deposit return deadline
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Return the deposit with a written itemized statement within 14 days from the date the landlord discovers the tenant vacated/abandoned, or the move-out date if the tenant gave notice of it (60 days for seasonal non-primary-residence rentals), by hand delivery or mail to the last known address. Missing the 14 days forfeits the right to withhold anything; willful failure = double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees and costs.
“A landlord shall return the security deposit along with a written statement itemizing any deductions to a tenant within 14 days from the date on which the landlord discovers that the tenant vacated or abandoned the dwelling unit or the date the tenant vacated the dwelling unit, provided the landlord received notice from the tenant of that date.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “14 days after move-out”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The window after the tenant vacates in which the landlord must refund the deposit or deliver an itemized statement of deductions. Missing the deadline is the most common way a landlord forfeits the right to keep any part of the deposit.
Separate pet deposit
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Not separately regulated and no cap: a security deposit is 'any advance, deposit, or prepaid rent, however named, which is refundable to the tenant', so a refundable pet deposit is a security deposit subject to the 14-day return/itemization rule and the limited retention grounds of § 4461(b); the chapter neither authorizes nor prohibits a separate pet deposit and sets no statewide maximum on deposits.
“A security deposit is any advance, deposit, or prepaid rent, however named, which is refundable to the tenant at the termination or expiration of the tenancy. The function of a security deposit is to secure the performance of a tenant's obligations to pay rent and to maintain a dwelling unit.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Neither pets nor pet deposits appear anywhere in § 4461 or in any section title of 9 V.S.A. ch. Retention is limited to nonpayment of rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utilities/charges, and removal of abandoned articles (§ 4461(b)).
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “Permitted”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
Whether a refundable pet deposit can be collected on top of the security deposit. Even where it is permitted, the combined amount usually has to stay inside the overall deposit limit.
In practice
• Hold the deposit the way the statute requires (separate or escrow account where applicable) and record the account in the file.
• Document move-in condition with a dated, photographed inventory the tenant can sign; it is the only evidence that supports a later deduction.
• Send the itemized statement and any refund by a trackable method, and keep the receipts or estimates behind every deduction.
Rent, late fees and application fees
The fees a Vermont lease can charge, the statutory ceilings that override the lease, and whether rent increases are regulated statewide.
Late fees
Source-confirmed 2026-10
No statewide late-fee cap or grace period. Chapter 137 (Residential Rental Agreements) does not address late charges; rent is payable without demand at the agreed time and place, and acceptance of partial rent does not waive nonpayment remedies.
Absence confirmed by reading the full chapter; enforceability of a lease late fee is a reasonableness/consumer-protection question.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “No statewide cap (reasonableness standard)”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
Any statutory ceiling on the fee for late rent and any mandatory grace period before it can be charged. Where there is no statutory cap, courts still strike fees they find punitive rather than a reasonable estimate of the landlord's cost.
Application fee limit
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Residential application fees are prohibited ($0): a landlord or agent may not charge any fee to apply for a residential rental agreement (commercial/nonresidential excepted). A landlord may not require a Social Security number to complete an application (amended eff. July 1, 2025).
“A landlord or a landlord's agent shall not charge an application fee to any individual in order to apply to enter into a rental agreement for a residential dwelling unit.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “Prohibited”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
A cap on what an applicant can be charged to apply, sometimes limited to the actual cost of screening and sometimes prohibited outright. Fee receipts and refund rules usually travel with the cap.
Statewide rent regulation
Source-confirmed 2026-10
(d) No statewide rent cap and no statewide preemption statute in 9 V.S.A. ch. 137. The only statewide rent-increase rules are procedural: an increase takes effect on the first day of a rental period following at least 60 days' actual notice (§ 4455(b)); for privately owned age-restricted housing, § 4468a (eff. 6/17/2024) additionally requires 60 days' written notice on a Department of Housing and Community Development form to residents and the Department, failing which the increase is ineffective.
“An increase in rent shall take effect on the first day of the rental period following no less than 60 days' actual notice to the tenant.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Chapter 137 index (https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/09/137) has no rent-control or rent-stabilization section; Municipal charter provisions were not surveyed.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “No statewide rent regulation (check local ordinances)”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
Whether a statewide law caps annual rent increases or whether rent control exists for covered units. Local ordinances can add limits even where the state has none.
In practice
• State the late fee, the grace period and the application fee in the lease in dollars or a clear percentage; a fee that is not in the lease is rarely enforceable.
• Never charge above the statutory cap even when the lease says more; the excess is unenforceable and can expose the landlord to penalties.
• Keep fee calculations in the ledger so a tenant, a court or an auditor can reproduce them from the rent roll.
Notices, rent increases and termination
How much written notice Vermont requires before a rent increase, before ending a month-to-month tenancy, and before filing for nonpayment.
Rent-increase notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
A rent increase takes effect on the first day of the rental period following no less than 60 days' actual notice to the tenant. No statewide rent cap (age-restricted housing has a separate notice rule in § 4468a).
“An increase in rent shall take effect on the first day of the rental period following no less than 60 days' actual notice to the tenant.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “60 days”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The written notice a landlord must give before a rent increase takes effect on a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy. Fixed-term leases generally cannot be changed mid-term.
Month-to-month termination notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Conditional. No written rental agreement, rent paid monthly: at least 60 days' actual notice if the tenant has lived there 2 years or less, 90 days if more than 2 years; weekly rent: 21 days. Written rental agreement: no-cause notice at least 30 days before the end of the stated term (tenancy of 2 years or less) or 60 days (more than 2 years); written week-to-week: 7 days. Sale of building without written agreement: 30 days. Termination date must be stated; action must be filed within 60 days of that date.
“for tenants who have resided continuously in the same premises for two years or less, at least 60 days after the date of the actual notice; (B) for tenants who have resided continuously in the same premises for more than two years, at least 90 days after the date of the actual notice.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “60 days”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The notice a landlord must give to end a periodic tenancy without cause. Some jurisdictions require longer notice for long-term tenants or require a stated cause.
Pay-or-quit notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Termination for nonpayment requires actual notice stating a termination date at least 14 days after the notice; the tenancy does not terminate if the tenant pays or tenders rent due through the end of the rental period in which payment is made. Acceptance of partial rent is not a waiver. An ejectment action must be commenced within 60 days of the termination date in the notice (§ 4467(k)).
“The landlord may terminate a tenancy for nonpayment of rent by providing actual notice to the tenant of the date on which the tenancy will terminate, which shall be at least 14 days after the date of the actual notice.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “14 days”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The notice a tenant must receive for nonpayment before the landlord can file for possession, and the time the tenant has to pay in full and cure. This is the step most often done wrong in an eviction.
In practice
• Serve notices in the form and by the method the statute names, and keep proof of service with the dated notice.
• Count notice periods the way the statute counts them (calendar days, business days, or "before the next rent due date") and build in a margin.
• Treat a notice to a possibly rent-regulated or subsidized unit as a legal check, because longer periods and extra content requirements usually apply.
Landlord entry
When a Vermont landlord may enter an occupied unit and how much notice the tenant must receive.
Non-emergency entry notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
48 hours' notice, entry only between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., for inspection, repairs/improvements, agreed services, or showings; otherwise entry only with the tenant's consent (not to be unreasonably withheld). Entry without consent or notice only on reasonable belief of imminent danger to persons or property.
“A landlord may also enter the dwelling unit for the following purposes between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. on no less than 48 hours' notice:”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “48 hours”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The advance notice required before a landlord enters an occupied unit for repairs, inspections or showings. Emergencies are the usual exception.
In practice
• Give written notice with the date, a reasonable time window and the purpose, and log the entry afterwards.
• Emergencies are the only common exception; document what made the entry urgent.
• A pattern of unannounced entries is a common basis for tenant complaints and counterclaims.
Payments, fair housing and licensing
Operational rules that sit outside the landlord-tenant act but decide how rent can be collected, who can be screened out, and who may manage for others.
Card surcharges on rent
Allowed within card-network limits
Returned-payment (NSF) fee
No statewide statutory cap on file
Source-of-income protection
No statewide protection on file
Local ordinances can extend protection beyond the statewide rule.
Property-management licensing
No statewide license requirement
Vermont has no statewide property-manager licensing requirement.
Compliance posture values are reference data compiled from public statutes and are not source-confirmed line by line. Confirm with the state agency before relying on them.
Vermont next to its neighbors
Own units on both sides of a state line? These are the reference values for every bordering jurisdiction. Open a state to see which values carry a citation.
No statewide cap (reasonableness standard); 30 days grace
No statewide cap (reasonableness standard)
Capped at 5% of monthly rent or $50; 5 days grace
Rent-increase notice
60 days
30 days
30 days
90 days
Non-emergency entry notice
48 hours
Reasonable notice
Reasonable notice
24 hours
Pay-or-quit notice
14 days
14 days
7 days
14 days
Source-of-income protection
No statewide protection on file
Protected statewide
No statewide protection on file
Protected statewide
Card surcharges on rent
Allowed within card-network limits
Card surcharges banned
Allowed within card-network limits
Allowed only with inclusive total pricing
Lease disclosures on file
Federal and state disclosures Aptoria's lease workflow surfaces for Vermont. This is a working checklist from public sources, not a complete legal inventory for a specific property.
• Lead-based paint hazards (pre-1978 housing) — EPA Pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"
• Lead-paint compliance statement (pre-1978)
Official sources
Primary sources a Vermont landlord should bookmark. Each link was fetched and read during the October 2026 review; the binding text is always the current official version.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Vermont?
No statewide cap. 9 V.S.A. § 4461 governs how a deposit is held, applied and returned but sets no maximum amount. (9 V.S.A. § 4461, confirmed 2026-10).
How long does a Vermont landlord have to return the security deposit?
Return the deposit with a written itemized statement within 14 days from the date the landlord discovers the tenant vacated/abandoned, or the move-out date if the tenant gave notice of it (60 days for seasonal non-primary-residence rentals), by hand delivery or mail to the last known address. Missing the 14 days forfeits the right to withhold anything; willful failure = double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees and costs. (9 V.S.A. § 4461(c), (e), confirmed 2026-10).
What is the maximum late fee in Vermont?
No statewide late-fee cap or grace period. Chapter 137 (Residential Rental Agreements) does not address late charges; rent is payable without demand at the agreed time and place, and acceptance of partial rent does not waive nonpayment remedies. (9 V.S.A. ch. 137 (§§ 4455(a), 4467(a)), confirmed 2026-10).
How many days does a Vermont pay-or-quit notice give the tenant?
Termination for nonpayment requires actual notice stating a termination date at least 14 days after the notice; the tenancy does not terminate if the tenant pays or tenders rent due through the end of the rental period in which payment is made. Acceptance of partial rent is not a waiver. An ejectment action must be commenced within 60 days of the termination date in the notice (§ 4467(k)). (9 V.S.A. § 4467(a), (k), confirmed 2026-10).
How much notice must a Vermont landlord give before entering?
48 hours' notice, entry only between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., for inspection, repairs/improvements, agreed services, or showings; otherwise entry only with the tenant's consent (not to be unreasonably withheld). Entry without consent or notice only on reasonable belief of imminent danger to persons or property. (9 V.S.A. § 4460(b), confirmed 2026-10).
How much notice is required to raise rent in Vermont?
A rent increase takes effect on the first day of the rental period following no less than 60 days' actual notice to the tenant. No statewide rent cap (age-restricted housing has a separate notice rule in § 4468a). (9 V.S.A. § 4455(b), confirmed 2026-10).
How much notice is required to end a month-to-month tenancy in Vermont?
Conditional. No written rental agreement, rent paid monthly: at least 60 days' actual notice if the tenant has lived there 2 years or less, 90 days if more than 2 years; weekly rent: 21 days. Written rental agreement: no-cause notice at least 30 days before the end of the stated term (tenancy of 2 years or less) or 60 days (more than 2 years); written week-to-week: 7 days. Sale of building without written agreement: 30 days. Termination date must be stated; action must be filed within 60 days of that date. (9 V.S.A. § 4467(c), (e), (f), (k), confirmed 2026-10).
Does Vermont have statewide rent control?
No statewide rent regulation is on file for Vermont. Local ordinances can still limit increases, so check the city or county where the unit sits before setting a renewal rent.
Is source of income a protected class in Vermont?
No statewide source-of-income protection is on file for Vermont, but cities and counties can adopt it. Check local law before refusing a voucher or benefit income, and apply any screening criteria consistently.
Can a Vermont landlord add a surcharge for paying rent by card?
Allowed within card-network limits. Where a surcharge is allowed, it must still follow card-network rules and be disclosed before payment.
How this page was verified
Every rule is shown in one of two states. “Source-confirmed” means an editor opened the official statute page named next to the rule on the date shown, read the controlling text, and recorded the excerpt you see; the excerpt is quoted verbatim so you can check it. “Reference value” means Aptoria's compliance engine applies a conservative number for this rule, but nobody has yet tied it to a specific statute section on this page, so it must be checked before you rely on it.
This page meets Aptoria's evidence floor for publication (10 source-confirmed rules and 3 fetched official sources). Statutes change; local ordinances can be stricter; the facts of a tenancy change the result.