Landlord Rules in Vermont: Renting Out Property (2026)

Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Vermont · Last updated 2026-05-18

Renting out residential property in Vermont runs on Vermont's own landlord-tenant code, not a generic national framework. Two anchors set the tone: the security-deposit return deadline (14 days) and the entry-notice rule (48 hours). This guide walks the Vermont-specific registration, disclosure, deposit, entry, termination, eviction, and fair-housing rules a landlord needs.

Key Considerations

The eviction sequence in Vermont starts with statutory notice and ends in court. (consult the state code) Outside that sequence, fair-housing law applies to advertising, screening, terms, and termination. The complaint URL is

Two compliance levers shape the front end of any Vermont tenancy. Registration or rental-license requirements come first. Each year, landlords must submit a Landlord Certificate (Form LRC-140) for each property with one or more units rented. Security-deposit caps and refund timing come second. No statutory limit On returns, 14 days

Mid-tenancy compliance in Vermont is mostly about advance notice. For non-emergency entry, 48 hours For ending a month-to-month, (consult the state code)

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Residential Lease Agreement Rental Application Form Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist

Relevant Documents

The Vermont landlord toolkit centers on a state-specific lease (with statutory disclosures), a compliant entry-notice template, a deposit-itemization form keyed to the state's return deadline, and the pre-suit eviction notice format the state requires before filing.

Landlord's Rules and Regulations

A supplementary document to the lease that outlines specific rules for the property, such as quiet hours, guest policies, and maintenance responsibilities.

Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist

A document that records the condition of the rental property before the tenant moves in and after they move out, which helps determine if any damage occurred during the tenancy.

Notice of Entry Form

A document used by landlords to notify tenants of their intent to enter the rental property, typically required by state law with specific advance notice periods.

Rental Application Form

A form used to collect information about potential tenants, including employment history, income, references, and authorization for background and credit checks.

Residential Lease Agreement

A legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement, including rent amount, security deposit, lease duration, and other important provisions.

Security Deposit Receipt

A document acknowledging the landlord's receipt of the security deposit, including the amount, date received, and where the deposit will be held.

Relevant Laws

Vermont Landlord and Tenant Act

This is Vermont's primary law governing residential rental agreements. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, including security deposit limits (maximum of one month's rent for unfurnished units), proper notice periods for lease termination, and maintenance obligations. As a landlord in Vermont, you must comply with these regulations to avoid legal issues.

Vermont Fair Housing Law

Vermont's Fair Housing Law prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, or receipt of public assistance. When renting your property, you must ensure your tenant screening process and rental policies comply with these anti-discrimination provisions.

Vermont Rental Housing Health Code

This code establishes minimum health and habitability standards for rental properties in Vermont. As a landlord, you must ensure your property meets these standards, which include proper sanitation, adequate heating (minimum 65°F), functioning plumbing, and structural safety. Non-compliance can result in penalties and tenants may be legally entitled to withhold rent.

Vermont Lead Poisoning Prevention Law

For properties built before 1978, Vermont law requires landlords to take essential maintenance practices (EMPs) to minimize lead hazards, provide tenants with EPA-approved lead disclosure information, and obtain a compliance statement. This law is particularly relevant as Vermont has many older properties, and lead compliance is strictly enforced.

Local Zoning and Short-Term Rental Regulations

Many Vermont municipalities have specific zoning ordinances and regulations regarding rental properties, particularly for short-term rentals. Before renting your property, you should check with your local town or city clerk's office to ensure compliance with local permits, registration requirements, and any restrictions on rental use.

Regional Variances

Northern Vermont

Burlington has stricter rental regulations than most of Vermont, including a rental housing inspection program. Landlords must register rental properties and pass regular inspections. The city also has a 'just cause' eviction ordinance for certain properties, limiting the reasons landlords can terminate tenancies. Additionally, Burlington enforces stricter lead paint disclosure requirements and has local ordinances regarding security deposits.

South Burlington has its own rental housing code that may differ from state requirements. Landlords should check with the city's housing inspector for specific requirements. The city also has different zoning regulations that may affect short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units.

Central Vermont

As the state capital, Montpelier has specific rental housing codes that may be more stringent than state requirements. The city has its own housing committee and inspection process. Landlords should be aware of local ordinances regarding rental property maintenance and tenant rights.

Barre has implemented specific rental housing health codes that landlords must comply with. The city conducts its own inspections and has particular requirements for rental property maintenance and safety standards that may exceed state minimums.

Southern Vermont

Brattleboro has enacted local rental housing standards that include regular inspections. The town has specific requirements for rental certificates of occupancy and may have stricter energy efficiency standards for rental properties. Landlords should also be aware of local ordinances regarding noise and tenant conduct.

Bennington has its own rental housing code enforcement program with specific requirements for landlords. The town may have different procedures for addressing code violations and tenant complaints than other Vermont jurisdictions.

Resort Areas

As a popular tourist destination, Stowe has specific regulations regarding short-term rentals and vacation properties. Landlords may face additional taxes and registration requirements for short-term rentals. The town also has zoning regulations that may restrict certain types of rental activities in residential areas.

Killington has unique regulations for seasonal and vacation rentals due to its status as a ski resort town. Landlords should be aware of specific short-term rental ordinances, occupancy taxes, and registration requirements that differ from long-term residential rentals in other parts of Vermont.

Suggested Compliance Checklist

Confirm registration or rental-license status at the state and city level

Before listing days after starting

Each year, landlords must submit a Landlord Certificate (Form LRC-140) for each property with one or more units rented.

Calculate the security deposit so it stays under the legal ceiling

Before signing days after starting

No statutory limit

Attach the required disclosures to the lease and have the tenant initial each

At lease signing days after starting

A landlord shall disclose in advance of entering a rental agreement with a tenant whether any portion of the premises offered for rent is located in a Federal Emergency Management Agency mapped special flood hazard area.

If eviction becomes necessary, follow the statutory notice and filing sequence

Ongoing days after starting

(consult the state code)

Issue the itemized deposit accounting on or before the deadline

As needed days after starting

14 days

Run month-to-month terminations through the statutory notice rule

At move-out days after starting

(consult the state code)

Document: lease-termination-letter

Calendar the entry-notice timeline before any non-emergency access

If eviction needed days after starting

48 hours

Document screening criteria and adverse decisions against fair-housing standards