A Vermont sublease agreement is a legal contract between the original tenant (sublessor) and a third-party known as a subtenant. The sublease allows the subtenant to rent all or part of the property from the original tenant.
Vermont regulations allow tenants to sublet the property to a subtenant with the permission of the landlord. It’s important to note that a landlord may not unreasonably deny a tenant’s request to sublet the property, unless subletting is prohibited in the original lease agreement. The tenant should request written notice from the landlord to allow the sublease. The landlord then has 30 days to provide approval for the sublease.
The original tenant remains ultimately responsible for the payment of rent and the final condition of the property.
Download our free template and learn how to fill it out before subletting your house, room, or apartment.
Free Template Download
Download this blank and fillable Vermont sublease agreement form into MS Word (.docx) or Adobe PDF. To save time and ensure everything is filled out correctly, we recommend using our free Vermont sublease agreement builder or reading our steps on how to write a Vermont sublease agreement below.
Download: MS Word (.docx) or Adobe PDF
How to Write a Vermont Sublease Agreement
- Include the rental property type – Most properties are considered, condominiums, apartments, or houses. If you’re creating a partial sublease for an individual room, specify that as well.
- Include the names of all original tenants — List the names of the current tenant(s) included on the original lease.
- Provide the rent payment address — The address where rent payment and other mail or notices should be sent must be listed if different from the property address.
- State the names of the new subtenant(s) – Include the full names of everyone who’ll be renting the property from you.
- List the landlord — Document the name of the original landlord or property management company in the Vermont Sublease agreement.
- Include a copy of the original lease – The original lease agreement should be copied and attached to the sublease agreement. This will help to protect you if any issues arise during the duration of the rental.
- Include the property address — Write the address of the property subject to sublease. Include all information like the apartment number and zip code. For partial sublets, specify which room or location is being rented to the subtenant.
- Determine the total rental payment — Include the full amount of the rent, plus any additional fees or utilities to be paid by the subtenant. If a security deposit is required, note the amount as well as how and where it will be held (if applicable).
- Note any sublease restrictions — Common restrictions include whether pets are allowed or if the subtenant may smoke on the property.
- Note the term of the sublease – Provide the beginning and end dates of the sublease agreement. Also note whether the sublease agreement can be extended.
- Include any additional information – List all additional information such as the number of bedrooms, bathroom, and access to other amenities (i.e., pool, etc). The sublease agreement should also include a copy of the written consent of the landlord of the original lease agreement.
Vermont Sublease Laws
You should check your original lease agreement to see if you’re allowed to sublet your apartment. It’s recommended that a tenant receive written permission from their landlord before subletting in Vermont. Once you’ve filled out the Vermont sublease agreement, you will be responsible for your subtenant and liable for any violations of the original lease.
A sublessor must honor the terms of the sublease agreement (as well as the original lease) and follow all Vermont laws regarding the eviction process, security deposits, and all other landlord-tenant matters.
Vermont Landlord-Tenant Laws:
In Vermont, a sublessor must: Title 27 of the Vermont Statutes
- Give a subtenant fourteen days (14) written notice to pay rent or leave
- Return the security deposit within fourteen days (14) of the end of the sublease
- Provide sixty days (60) written notice of your intent to not renew the sublease and/or original lease where the subtenant has lived at the property for two years or less, or ninety days (90) for subtenants who have lived there for more than two years
Vermont Sublease FAQs
Is subletting illegal in Vermont?
No, subletting is not illegal in Vermont. Tenants in Vermont are allowed to sublease the property to a third-party as long as they receive approval from the landlord.
Please note that landlords may not unreasonably deny a tenant the ability to sublease. The landlord may however, deny the sublease for issues such as financial responsibility of the subtenant and proposed use of the property, if illegal or incompatible with the use of other tenants.
The landlord may include a provision in the original lease agreement excluding the ability of tenants to sublease the property.
Can a tenant sublet without permission in Vermont?
No, a tenant cannot sublet without permission in Vermont. Tenants must receive approval from their landlord prior to subletting the property. The tenant should provide the landlord with notice of the proposed sublease, and allow the landlord 30 days to approve the proposal.
How to get out of a Vermont sublease agreement?
Vermont regulations provide that the original tenant should go through the same eviction process as the landlord would in order to terminate a sublease agreement.
Additionally, subtenants can get out of a sublease agreement if there is a valid reason to end the sublease early. If you suspect illegal activity is taking place in the sublet or if the property is simply in disrepair, you can get out of a sublease agreement early. Otherwise, speak with your sublessor and try to reach a compromise to end the sublease agreement.
