Can Vermont Landlords Charge for Trash and Recycling?

Understanding who pays for trash and recycling services is an important part of budgeting as a Vermont renter. Vermont law establishes certain responsibilities for landlords and tenants, but specific arrangements can depend on your lease and local ordinances. This guide explains what you need to know about landlord charges for trash and recycling in Vermont, and what to do if you have concerns.

Who Is Responsible for Trash and Recycling Costs in Vermont?

In Vermont, whether a landlord can charge a tenant for trash and recycling services depends largely on what is stated in the rental agreement. Statewide, there is no blanket law requiring landlords to include these services in the rent. However, landlords must follow state and local rules for providing a habitable living environment, which can involve waste management responsibilities.

• Lease Terms: Your lease should clearly state whether trash and recycling are included in the rent or billed separately.
• Local Rules: Some cities or towns may require landlords to provide trash removal. Always check your local regulations.
• Vermont Statutes: Under the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137), landlords must keep rental properties fit and habitable, which may include proper waste disposal arrangements.¹

If the lease does not mention trash and recycling, ask your landlord directly or request an amendment. Keeping communication in writing is best for clarity.

What the Vermont Law Says

The Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act outlines landlord and tenant duties. While it does not specifically require landlords to pay for trash and recycling, it does require the landlord to maintain premises in compliance with health and safety laws—which can involve providing a way to store and dispose of garbage safely. Local rules, like those found in Burlington, may put additional obligations on landlords, so always check your town or city laws.

What Should Your Lease Include?

• An explicit mention of who pays for trash and recycling services
• Details on how and when these charges are billed (included in rent or separate fee)
• Any deadlines or requirements for setting up accounts with municipal or private haulers

If charges for trash or recycling appear without notice or are not mentioned in your lease, you may contest them. Vermont law requires that all fees and service responsibilities be stated in the rental agreement.

Action Steps if You Disagree with Charges

• Review your lease to confirm what it says about trash and recycling
• Ask your landlord for clarification in writing
• If you believe you were charged unfairly, you can send a letter to your landlord explaining your concern
• Document all communications for your records
• For disputes you can't resolve, you can contact the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program for help or complaint submissions

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Complaint to Consumer Assistance Program
  Vermont Consumer Complaint Form
  Use this form if you believe your landlord is charging unfair fees not listed in your lease. Fill out the form online or print and submit by mail to describe the issue and request assistance mediating the dispute.
• Rental Housing Health Code Complaint
  Rental Housing Health Complaint Form
  This is used when there are health or habitability issues caused by improper trash removal. Complete the form and submit to your local health officer if the property is unsafe due to waste management problems.

Which Tribunal Handles Rental Disputes in Vermont?

Vermont does not have a dedicated landlord-tenant tribunal. Most rental disputes, including those about improper charges, are handled in the appropriate Vermont Civil Division Courts (Superior Courts). Small claims may be an option for monetary disputes up to $5,000.

1. Can my landlord charge me separately for trash and recycling if it was not in my lease?
   No, in Vermont, any service fee must be clearly stated in your lease agreement. If trash and recycling are not mentioned, you should not be charged unless you agree to the change in writing.
2. Where can I file a complaint about unfair fees?
   You can submit a complaint to the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program or contact your local health officer for habitability matters.
3. Does the landlord have to provide trash bins or containers?
   Landlords are generally required to provide a safe means for garbage storage and disposal as part of their duty to provide habitable property. Check your lease and local codes for specific requirements.
4. What if my landlord refuses to address overflowing trash or missed pickups?
   Document the issue, notify your landlord in writing, and, if not resolved, consider filing a health code complaint with your local health officer or the Vermont Department of Health.
5. Can the landlord change who pays for trash and recycling during my lease?
   No, changes to service charges generally require your written consent, unless your lease allows for such adjustments ahead of time.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

• Always check your lease to see if trash and recycling fees are included or extra
• Vermont law requires clarity in the rental agreement about service charges
• For disputes, use official complaint forms and keep records of all communications

If you feel charges are unfair or hazardous, contact state agencies or your local court for assistance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program – Complaint help and mediation
• VT Rental Housing Health Code & Complaint Form – Health or habitability concerns
• Vermont Civil Division Courts – File rental disputes and small claims
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (Statutes) – Full tenancy legislation

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1. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137)
2. Vermont Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program
3. Vermont Civil Division Courts

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