A Vermont standard residential lease agreement is a legally binding document between a landlord and tenant outlining the terms and conditions for renting a fixed-term residential property.
This agreement specifies details such as rental amount, duration, responsibilities of both parties, and rules for the use of the property. It ensures clarity and legal protection for both the landlord and the tenant throughout the rental period.
Lease Length Considerations
- There are no legally mandated lease lengths. Typically, leases are for a fixed term, often one year. However, landlords and tenants can agree on shorter or longer periods.
- In the absence of a fixed-term lease, the agreement may default to a month-to-month tenancy, which can be terminated by either party giving proper notice.
Required Disclosures
- Lead-based paint disclosure
- Notice of rent increases
Our Vermont lease agreement page covers these disclosures in greater detail.
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount ($): No state-imposed limit.
- Returning to Tenant: Within 14 days. [1]
Rent Payment
- Grace Period: There is no state-mandated grace period for paying rent.
- Maximum Late Fee: State law doesn’t cite an exact maximum amount for a late fee, but case law requires the fee to be reasonable. [2]
- NSF Fee: No law limits the amount a landlord can charge for a bounced check.
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – § 9-137 (Residential Rental Agreements).
- Handbook – Vermont’s Renting Laws.
