State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Vermont Security Deposit Laws
Under Vermont Statutes Title 9 § 4461, Vermont landlords must return security deposits within 14 days of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Up to 2x the deposit wrongfully withheld.
Quick Answer
In Vermont, landlords have 14 days to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is No statutory limit. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $5,000) and may recover Up to 2x the deposit wrongfully withheld under Vermont Statutes Title 9 § 4461. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Vermont Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 14 days to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Up to 2x the deposit wrongfully withheld. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $5,000without needing an attorney.
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $500-1,5005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Heating System
Typical: $200-60015-year useful life per IRS Publication 527. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Get a Demand Letter That Cites These Laws
Our tool analyzes your landlord's deductions against Vermont Statutes Title 9 § 4461 and federal HUD guidelines, then generates a formal demand letter you can send immediately.
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HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
$19 · Avg Vermont deposit: $1,350 · Potential 71x return
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Vermont landlord have to return my deposit?
Vermont landlords have 14 days—one of the shortest deadlines in the nation.
Does my Vermont landlord have to pay interest?
Yes, if the deposit is held for more than 1 year. Interest rate is set by state guidelines.
What penalties exist for Vermont landlords?
Wrongful withholding can result in up to 2x the deposit amount.
City-Specific Rules
Some Vermont cities have additional tenant protections:
- Burlington: Additional tenant protections. Active housing advocacy.
Official Resources
- Vermont Attorney General Consumer Protection(Government)
- Vermont Legal Aid(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Vermont's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Based on Vermont Statutes Title 9 § 4461 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527