Security Deposit Laws in Vermont
Vermont does not cap security deposits, requires return within 14 days after the landlord learns the tenant has vacated, and requires 48 hours' notice before entry between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Vermont at a glance
- Security deposit limit
- No statewide limit
- State law sets no maximum deposit
- Deposit return deadline
- 14 days
- 14 days after landlord discovers the tenant vacated (60 days for seasonal rentals)
- Interest on deposits
- Not required by state law
- Some cities have their own interest rules
- Notice before landlord entry
- 48 hours
- At least 48 hours' notice, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
The rules in Vermont
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Vermont?
Vermont law sets no statewide limit on security deposits, so the amount is set by the lease. Check for local rules where you rent.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Vermont?
Vermont rule: 14 days after landlord discovers the tenant vacated (60 days for seasonal rentals).
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Vermont?
No. Vermont state law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Some cities have their own rules.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Vermont?
Vermont rule: At least 48 hours' notice, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Where do the Vermont rules for residential leases come from?
They come from 9 V.S.A. 4461 and 9 V.S.A. 4460. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Vermont compares
Vermont is one of 21 jurisdictions with no statewide cap. Its 14-day return deadline is shorter than the most common deadline of 30 days; no state requires a faster return.
What this means in practice
Landlords: state the deposit amount, where it is held and how it will be returned in the lease, and send the refund with any deductions in writing within the deadline.
Tenants: record the unit's condition with photos and a move-in checklist, keep your receipts, and give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out.
Both sides: normal wear and tear is generally not deductible. Disputes over deductions usually go to small claims court.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.