The Vermont rental lease agreement form is a legally binding document establishing the terms and conditions under which a tenant may occupy and use a landlord’s property. This form outlines the specifics of the tenancy, including the duration of the lease, the amount of rent, the payment schedule, and any other stipulations agreed upon.
The Vermont lease agreement is essential for maintaining a smooth landlord-tenant relationship. It also provides a reference point that helps prevent misunderstandings and manage expectations. Importantly, this document must comply with Vermont housing and rental laws, so using our rental agreement templates is the best idea.
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State regulations regarding residential rental agreements can be found in Title 9, Chapter 137 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated.
In Vermont, a security deposit serves as a financial guarantee that tenants will fulfill their obligations regarding rent and property maintenance as specified under 9 V.S.A. § 4461. This deposit is to be returned to the tenant upon the tenancy’s termination or expiration, assuming all lease conditions are met. The landlord can use the deposit to cover various potential costs, which might include:
If deductions are necessary, Vermont law mandates that landlords provide a written statement detailing these along with the remainder of the deposit. This statement must be delivered to the tenant within 14 days of vacating the property, provided the landlord was notified before the move-out date. For seasonal rentals, the period extends to 60 days.
The law specifically handles the security deposit and the consequences for non-compliance. Should a landlord fail to return the deposit or provide the itemized list within the 14-day window, they forfeit the right to retain any part of the deposit. Moreover, if this failure is found to be willful, the landlord may be liable for double the amount improperly withheld, in addition to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
According to 9 V.S.A. § 4460, landlords must give tenants at least forty-eight hours’ notice before entering the property. This entry is permissible only for necessary maintenance or emergency repairs and must occur during reasonable hours — specifically, between 9 a.m. and 9pm This regulation ensures that tenants are adequately informed and can plan accordingly while allowing landlords access to perform essential upkeep.
While Vermont state law does not require any specific disclosures within a leasing contract, federal law imposes certain obligations on landlords, especially concerning properties built before 1978. One critical federal requirement is the disclosure of potential lead-based paint hazards in older properties, as outlined in 42 U.S. Code § 4852d.
Landlords must provide tenants with an EPA-approved information pamphlet on identifying and managing lead-based paint hazards and include a form in the lease that discloses any known lead-based paint in the property.
In Vermont, lease agreements come in various forms to suit different rental needs:
All these agreements clearly outline the terms and conditions between landlords and tenants, ensuring that both parties understand their responsibilities and rights.
Document Name | Vermont Rental Lease Agreement Form |
Other Names | VT Rental Lease, Vermont Residential Lease Agreement |
Relevant Laws | Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 9, Chapter 137 |
Security Deposit Amount | Not specified |
Security Deposit Return | Fourteen (14) days after the lease ends |
Avg. Time to Fill Out | 18 minutes |
# of Fillable Fields | 119 |
Available Formats | Adobe PDF |