Two ways to rent in Vermont
The same free builder makes both — pick the one that fits and the agreement adapts automatically.
Standard Residential Lease Agreement
A fixed-term lease with set start and end dates (usually one year) — best for a long-term tenant.
Create a fixed-term leaseMonth-to-Month Rental Agreement
A flexible tenancy that renews each month and ends with proper written notice from either party.
Create a month-to-month agreementOverview
Renting out a home in Vermont? A residential lease agreement is the contract that protects both sides — it sets the rent, the term, the deposit, and the rules the landlord and tenant agree to, and it's your proof of what was agreed if a dispute ever comes up. Vermont residential tenancies are governed by Chapter 137 of Title 9 (Residential Rental Agreements).
Vermontlease rules & requirements
Security deposit
Vermont sets no statewide maximum on a residential security deposit — the amount is whatever the lease states (one month's rent is the common benchmark), though some towns such as Burlington have local limits. The landlord must return the deposit with a written, itemized statement of any deductions within 14 days of move-out (60 days for seasonal units), and missing that deadline forfeits the right to keep any of it (9 V.S.A. 4461).
Late fees
Vermont has no statute setting or capping late fees, so the lease controls. Any late fee should be reasonable and clearly stated in the lease, including how long after the due date it applies, so it holds up if challenged.
Landlord entry & notice
Under 9 V.S.A. 4460 the landlord may enter only at reasonable times, between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., after giving at least 48 hours' notice. Emergencies are the exception. Restating the 48-hour window in the lease keeps expectations clear for both sides.
Required disclosures
The federal lead-based-paint disclosure is required for homes built before 1978, and Vermont has its own lead-paint and rental-housing health requirements administered by the state. Identifying the owner or manager and how to reach them is good practice for serving notices.
Ending the lease
A fixed-term lease simply ends on its end date. For a month-to-month tenancy with no written agreement, a no-cause termination requires at least 60 days' notice if the tenant has lived there two years or less, and at least 90 days' notice if longer (9 V.S.A. 4467).
Does it need notarizing?
No. A Vermont residential lease doesn't need to be notarized or witnessed — it's binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign. Each party should keep a signed copy.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules under Vermont law (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137, Residential Rental Agreements).
How to write a Vermont lease agreement
- 1
Choose the lease type — a fixed-term lease (set start and end dates) or a month-to-month tenancy.
- 2
Add the property details and the landlord's and tenant(s)' full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Set the monthly rent, the due date, accepted payment methods, and any late or NSF fees (the lease controls these in Vermont).
- 4
Set the security deposit and when it's returned, plus any pet, parking, smoking, or utility terms.
- 5
Add the required disclosures (lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes) and any house rules.
- 6
The landlord and every tenant sign and date the lease — and each keeps a copy.
Ready to create your Vermont lease agreement?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Landlord & tenant(s) — names and addresses
- Property, lease type & term
- Rent — amount, due date & payment methods
- Security deposit, late & NSF fees
- Pets, parking, smoking & utilities
- Disclosures & signatures
Vermont lease agreement FAQ
Does a Vermont residential lease need to be notarized?
No. A residential lease in Vermont doesn't have to be notarized or witnessed. It's legally binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign it.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Vermont?
No statewide cap — the amount is set by the lease, with one month's rent the common benchmark. Be aware that some municipalities, such as Burlington, set their own local deposit limits.
How long does a Vermont landlord have to return the deposit?
14 days after the tenant moves out (60 days for seasonal units), along with a written, itemized statement of any deductions. Under 9 V.S.A. 4461 a landlord who misses the 14-day deadline forfeits the right to keep any part of the deposit.
How much can a late fee be in Vermont?
Vermont has no statute on late fees, so the lease controls. Any late fee should be reasonable and clearly written into the lease, including how long after the due date it applies.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Vermont?
For a no-cause termination of a month-to-month tenancy, at least 60 days' notice if the tenant has lived there two years or less, and at least 90 days' notice if longer (9 V.S.A. 4467).
Does the landlord have to give notice before entering?
Yes. Under 9 V.S.A. 4460 the landlord must give at least 48 hours' notice and may enter only between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. at reasonable times. Emergencies are the exception.
What must a Vermont lease disclose?
The federal lead-based-paint disclosure for homes built before 1978, along with Vermont's own lead-paint and rental-housing health requirements. Naming the owner or manager and how to reach them is also good practice.
Is this Vermont lease agreement really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.