Vermont Standard Residential Lease Agreement
Download the Vermont Standard Residential Lease Agreement, a contract formed between a tenant (lessee) and a landlord (lessor) that establishes a tenant’s right to occupy a rental unit in exchange for consistent payments. The agreement-type stays in effect for an average of twelve (12) months, with the exception that the landlord and tenant can negotiate a different timeframe if they so choose.
Upon completion of the agreement, the parties will sit down and go over the contract together, where the landlord will discuss important terms. Both the landlord and tenant(s) will then sign the contract to officially put it into effect. The landlord will then request a security deposit from the tenant(s) and permit them to move into the property (typically on a set day).
Tenant Screening: Vermont Rental Application
State Laws
Laws: Title 9, Chapter 137, “Residential Rental Agreements”
Maximum Security Deposit: No statute; state law does not provide any guidance about the amount a landlord may charge a tenant for a security deposit. Due to this, it is up to the landlord to decide. They are, however, recommended to make the amount fair and not in excess of two (2) months’ rent ( for special circumstances).
Returning Security Deposits (§ 4461(c)): For non-seasonal renters, landlords are required to return security deposits (or the remainder thereof) within fourteen (14) days after the tenant(s) have vacated the rental. If any deductions are made from deposits, landlords need to provide tenants with a written list of all deductions and why they were made. For seasonally-rented units, landlords have sixty (60) days to return deposits (and accompanying deduction statements).
Rent Increase Notice (§ 4455(b)): Landlords need to provide tenants with a minimum notice of sixty (60) days before raising rent.