If you’re looking to rent out your property, you’ll need a Vermont (VT) Lease Agreement written according to Vermont’s landlord-tenant laws. The lease agreement creates a binding relationship between you (the landlord) and your tenant. You agree to rent all (or some of) your property for a fee, and in return, the tenant agrees to the terms and conditions you lay out in the document.
1. What to Include in a Vermont Residential Lease Agreement
As a landlord in Vermont, you’re required by Federal law to include certain details in your lease agreements. Specifically, you need to include:
- Tenant/Landlord Details: names and current addresses of both the tenant and landlord
- Premises: the address of the premises being rented
- Pets: whether pets are allowed, and any other pet-related rules
- Health Hazards: any known health hazards or risks
- Rent Specifics: the amount of rent and security deposit due, and payment dates and methods
However, states have different laws regulating the relationship between a landlord and a tenant. You should learn Vermont’s landlord-tenant laws to protect your financial and legal rights.
2. Vermont Landlord and Tenant Laws
Vermont has specific regulations for landlords and tenants entering into a lease agreement. Some major regulations are as follows:
Relevant Laws:
Security Deposit:
- There’s no limit as to the amount a landlord may request as security deposit from a tenant. (No statute)
- A landlord must return a tenant’s security deposit within 14 days of the end of the lease (9 V.S.A. § 4461)
Landlord Right of Entry:
- A landlord must provide two day’s advance notice to a tenant before entering the rental property . (9 V.S.A. § 4460)