Vermont Lease Agreement Create a Vermont Lease Agreement

Vermont Lease Agreement

Published Dec 15, 2025
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A Vermont Lease Agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant outlining the terms for renting residential property within the state.

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VERMONT LEASE AGREEMENT

THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement") is entered into on this , by and between:

LANDLORD:
Name:
Mailing Address:
(hereinafter referred to as "Landlord")

AND TENANT(S):
Name:

(hereinafter referred to as "Tenant").

I. PROPERTY

The Landlord agrees to lease to the Tenant, and the Tenant agrees to lease from the Landlord, the residential property located at:


(hereinafter referred to as the "Premises").

The Premises consists of:

II. TERM

The term of this Agreement shall be (check one):

III. RENT

The Tenant agrees to pay the Landlord rent in the amount of $ per month.

The rent is due on the day of each month.

Rent shall be paid by the following method(s):

Rent shall be paid to the Landlord at the following address (if different from above):

IV. SECURITY DEPOSIT

Upon execution of this Agreement, the Tenant shall deposit with the Landlord the sum of $ as a security deposit.

A. Purpose: The security deposit may be used by the Landlord for:
1. Nonpayment of rent;
2. Damage to the Premises beyond normal wear and tear;
3. Nonpayment of utility or other charges which the Tenant was required to pay directly to the Landlord or to a utility; and
4. Expenses required to remove from the Premises articles abandoned by the Tenant.

B. Return of Deposit: Pursuant to 9 V.S.A. § 4461, the Landlord shall return the security deposit, with a written statement itemizing any deductions, to the Tenant within fourteen (14) days from the date on which the Tenant vacates the Premises or pays the rent for the last month of occupancy, whichever is later.

C. Forwarding Address: The Tenant must provide the Landlord with a forwarding address. If no forwarding address is provided, the Landlord shall attempt to mail the statement and deposit to the Tenant's last known address.

V. UTILITIES AND SERVICES

Responsibility for payment of utilities and services shall be as follows:

Electricity:

Gas/Oil/Propane (Heating):

Water:

Sewer:

Trash Removal:

Snow Removal:

Lawn Care:

Cable/Internet:

Telephone:

VI. OCCUPANTS AND GUESTS

The Premises shall be occupied only by the Tenant(s) listed above and the following additional occupants:

Guests staying more than days in a six-month period require the Landlord's written consent.

VII. USE OF PREMISES

The Premises shall be used exclusively as a private residence. The Tenant shall not use the Premises for any illegal purpose or in any manner that disturbs the peace and quiet of other tenants or neighbors.

VIII. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

A. Landlord's Obligations: Pursuant to 9 V.S.A. § 4457 (Warranty of Habitability), the Landlord shall deliver and maintain the Premises in a safe, clean, and fit condition for human habitation and comply with all applicable building, housing, and health regulations.

B. Tenant's Obligations: The Tenant shall:
1. Keep the Premises safe and clean;
2. Dispose of all trash and rubbish in a clean and safe manner;
3. Use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances in a reasonable manner;
4. Not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, or remove any part of the Premises; and
5. Promptly notify the Landlord of any necessary repairs.

IX. RIGHT OF ENTRY

Pursuant to 9 V.S.A. § 4460, the Landlord may enter the Premises with the Tenant's consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

A. Notice: The Landlord shall provide the Tenant with at least forty-eight (48) hours' notice of intent to enter the Premises for inspection, repairs, alterations, or to exhibit the Premises to prospective purchasers, mortgagees, or tenants.
B. Hours: Entry shall be made between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M.
C. Emergency: The Landlord may enter the Premises without notice or consent in the event of an emergency where there is an immediate threat to person or property.

X. DEFAULT AND TERMINATION

A. Nonpayment of Rent: Pursuant to 9 V.S.A. § 4467(a), if the Tenant fails to pay rent when due, the Landlord may terminate the tenancy by providing actual notice to the Tenant that the tenancy will terminate fourteen (14) days after the notice is mailed or hand-delivered.

B. Breach of Lease: Pursuant to 9 V.S.A. § 4467(b), if the Tenant violates a material term of this Agreement (other than nonpayment of rent), the Landlord may terminate the tenancy by providing actual notice of at least thirty (30) days.

C. Criminal Activity: Pursuant to 9 V.S.A. § 4467(b)(2), if the Tenant, a member of the Tenant's household, or a guest engages in criminal activity, illegal drug activity, or acts of violence on the Premises, the Landlord may terminate the tenancy with fourteen (14) days' notice.

XI. LEAD-BASED PAINT DISCLOSURE

Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women.

The Premises was constructed:

XII. PETS

Pets are permitted on the Premises:

XIII. SMOKING POLICY

Smoking is permitted on the Premises:

XIV. ABANDONMENT

If the Tenant abandons the Premises, the Landlord may retake possession. Abandonment is defined pursuant to 9 V.S.A. § 4462. If any personal property is left on the Premises after abandonment or termination of the lease, the Landlord shall store the property in a safe place and give written notice to the Tenant. If the property is unclaimed after sixty (60) days, the Landlord may dispose of it.

XV. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Vermont, specifically Title 9, Chapter 137 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated.

XVI. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

Additional terms and conditions of this Agreement are:

XVII. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior understandings, agreements, or representations. This Agreement may only be amended in writing signed by both parties.

XVIII. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

SIGNATURES

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

LANDLORD
Signature: _________________________
Print Name: _______________
Date:
Address:

TENANT
Signature: _________________________
Print Name: _______________
Date:
Address:

What is a Vermont Lease Agreement?

A Vermont Lease Agreement is a legally binding contract executed between a landlord and a tenant for the rental of residential or commercial property within the state. This document outlines the specific terms under which the tenant agrees to occupy the premises, including the monthly rent amount, the duration of the tenancy, and the responsibilities regarding maintenance, utilities, and conduct. It serves as the primary legal record of the arrangement, protecting the rights of both parties by adhering to state-specific regulations found in the Vermont Statutes Annotated. By signing this agreement, both the lessor and lessee acknowledge their obligations and the consequences of failing to uphold the agreed-upon terms.

Legal Framework and Statutory Basis

Landlord-tenant relationships in this jurisdiction are primarily governed by Title 9, Chapter 137 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated (V.S.A.). These statutes establish the baseline requirements for habitability, security deposits, and the eviction process, overriding any lease clauses that attempt to waive a tenant's statutory rights. While federal laws like the Fair Housing Act prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, and national origin, Vermont state law extends these protections to include sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and receipt of public assistance. Consequently, a Vermont Lease Agreement must be drafted to comply strictly with these anti-discrimination laws and the specific provisions regarding rental housing health and safety codes.

Security Deposits and Rent Regulations

Vermont law provides specific guidelines regarding the collection and return of security deposits, which distinguishes it from many other states. While there is no statutory cap on the amount a landlord may charge for a security deposit, the timeline for returning these funds is strictly enforced. Landlords must return the security deposit, along with a written statement itemizing any deductions, within 14 days after the tenant vacates the rental unit. Allowable deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and expenses required to remove abandoned property. If a landlord fails to return the deposit or the itemized statement within this 14-day window, they may forfeit the right to withhold any portion of the deposit and could be liable for returning the full amount.

Required Elements and Disclosures

To ensure a Vermont Lease Agreement is valid and enforceable, it must contain specific information and disclosures mandated by state and federal law. Omitting these elements can lead to legal complications or render certain parts of the contract void.

  • Identification of Parties: The full legal names of all adult tenants and the landlord or property manager.
  • Property Description: The complete physical address of the rental unit, including unit numbers where applicable.
  • Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: A federal requirement for any property built prior to 1978, warning tenants of potential lead hazards.
  • Term and Rent Details: The start and end dates of the lease, the amount of rent, the due date, and acceptable payment methods.
  • Landlord Contact Information: The name and address of the owner or the person authorized to manage the premises and receive legal notices.

Implied Warranty of Habitability

Every residential rental contract in Vermont carries an implied warranty of habitability, regardless of whether it is explicitly stated in the text. This legal doctrine ensures that the landlord provides a safe, clean, and fit living environment throughout the tenancy. Essential services such as heat, water, and electricity must be maintained in working order, and the structure must comply with applicable building and housing codes. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time after receiving notice, tenants may have legal remedies available to them. These remedies can include withholding rent or repairing the defect and deducting the cost from the rent, provided they follow the specific procedures outlined in Vermont statutes.

Termination and Eviction Procedures

The process for terminating a tenancy in Vermont varies depending on the type of lease and the reason for termination. For non-payment of rent, a landlord must provide a 14-day notice to quit, allowing the tenant time to pay the arrears or vacate the property. For termination without specific cause in a month-to-month tenancy, the required notice period depends on the tenant's length of residency; tenants who have resided in the unit for two years or less generally require 60 days' notice, while those with a tenure exceeding two years are entitled to 90 days' notice. Actual eviction can only be executed through a court order obtained from the Vermont Superior Court, and "self-help" eviction tactics, such as changing locks or shutting off utilities, are illegal.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Vermont law prohibits landlords from charging prospective tenants an application fee. Landlords may only charge for the actual cost of a credit check or background check, but they cannot profit from the application process itself.
A landlord must provide at least 48 hours of notice before entering a rental unit for non-emergency reasons, such as inspections or repairs. Entry is generally permitted only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., unless the tenant agrees otherwise.
Vermont does not have a statewide rent control policy. Landlords are generally free to set rent prices and increase them, provided they give proper notice—typically at least 60 days—before the increase takes effect.
Yes, verbal lease agreements are recognized in Vermont, particularly for month-to-month tenancies. However, written agreements are strongly recommended to clearly define terms and avoid disputes regarding the rights and obligations of both parties.
If a tenant breaks a fixed-term lease early, they may be liable for the rent due for the remainder of the lease term. However, the landlord has a duty to mitigate damages by making reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit to a new tenant.
Yes, landlords may charge late fees if the provision is included in the lease agreement. However, the fee must be reasonable and related to the actual expense incurred by the landlord due to the late payment, rather than serving as a penalty.

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