Adding a Roommate to a Lease in Vermont: The Legal Steps

Sharing your rental in Vermont can help with expenses and make housing more affordable, but it’s important to add a roommate legally to avoid future problems. Vermont has specific rules that both renters and landlords must follow if you want to update your lease to include another person. Here’s what you need to know to safely and legally add a roommate to your Vermont lease.

Understanding Roommates and Vermont Leases

In Vermont, most leases require that every adult living in the rental unit be listed as a tenant. Bringing in a roommate without updating the lease can violate its terms, possibly leading to eviction or other legal conflicts. Always review your current lease agreement first for any language about guests, subletting, or new occupants.

Notify Your Landlord First

Additions to your lease typically require written landlord approval. Here’s what to consider when requesting to add a roommate:

• Review your lease: Some leases ban or restrict adding occupants or subleasing. Look for these details first.
• Contact your landlord in writing: It’s best to formally request to add your roommate via email or letter, so you have a record.
• Screening process: Many landlords will require your prospective roommate to complete a rental application and background check, just like the original tenants.

In most cases, your landlord cannot unreasonably refuse your request unless specific rules in the lease say otherwise.

Official Vermont Forms and Agreements

Vermont does not have a single official statewide form specifically titled "Add Roommate to Lease." However, the most common method is for the landlord to have all tenants—including the new roommate—sign an updated lease agreement. Alternatively, a written lease addendum or amendment may be used.

• Lease Amendment or Addendum: This document formally adds the new roommate as a tenant. It should include the new tenant’s name, responsibilities, and agreement to abide by all lease terms.
  Example: Your landlord provides a simple amendment form stating that Jane Smith is now a co-tenant, effective May 1.
• Vermont Residential Lease Amendment Template (from the Attorney General): While not an official numbered form, this template can guide you and your landlord in drafting an amendment.

Always have every party—the landlord, existing tenants, and new roommate—sign any lease addendum or new agreement. Each should get a copy for their records.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Once the lease is updated and the roommate is officially added, both you and your roommate share equal legal responsibility for rent, property care, and following the rules. This is known as "joint and several liability" under Vermont’s Residential Rental Agreements Act.

If Your Landlord Refuses to Add a Roommate

If your landlord unreasonably refuses your request and your lease doesn’t prohibit adding occupants, you may seek mediation or legal help. Vermont’s HUD Vermont Tenant Resources and the Vermont Housing Counseling Coalition provide support for such situations.

Summary of Steps to Add a Roommate in Vermont

• Review your lease agreement for any terms about adding new tenants.
• Communicate with your landlord and get written approval.
• Your landlord may screen the new roommate.
• Sign an updated lease or a lease amendment including the new roommate.

Following these steps helps ensure your legal protection and avoids accidental lease violations.

FAQ: Roommates and Shared Rentals in Vermont

1. Can my landlord charge a fee for adding a roommate?
   Vermont law does not specifically prohibit reasonable application or screening fees. Check your lease for any fee clauses and ask your landlord before proceeding.
2. Do I have to sign a completely new lease?
   No, but all tenants (including the new roommate) should sign either a lease amendment or an updated lease that reflects current occupants.
3. Who is responsible for rent if one roommate leaves?
   Unless your lease says otherwise, all tenants are equally responsible for the full rent (joint and several liability).
4. What if my landlord says no?
   If your lease allows roommates and your landlord is being unreasonable, reach out to the Vermont Human Rights Commission or local housing counseling for help.
5. Where can I find Vermont’s laws on roommates and leases?
   Key information is in the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act.

Key Takeaways

• Always get your landlord’s approval in writing before adding a roommate to your Vermont lease.
• Have the new roommate sign an updated lease or a lease addendum.
• If disputes arise, use Vermont’s official resources for help.

By following these steps, you protect yourself, your new roommate, and your tenancy in Vermont.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Resources: Guides, forms, and sample letters
• Vermont Human Rights Commission: File a housing discrimination complaint
• Vermont Housing Counseling Coalition: Free housing counseling for renters
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (official)
• U.S. HUD Vermont Renter Assistance

---

1. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act: Vermont Statutes Title 9, Chapter 137
2. Vermont Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Guidance and Forms: Official VT AG Resources
3. Vermont Human Rights Commission: VT Human Rights Commission homepage
4. U.S. HUD Vermont Renter Resources: Official HUD Vermont page

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations