How to File a Rent Overcharge Complaint in Vermont

If you’re a renter in Vermont worried that your landlord is charging more than allowed, understanding your rights and remedies is essential. While Vermont does not have statewide rent control or rent stabilization, some cities may have local ordinances. This article explains what to do if you think you’re being overcharged for rent, what forms and resources are available, and how to seek support.

Recognizing a Rent Overcharge in Vermont

Vermont landlord-tenant law does not set a statewide limit on rent increases or fixed rent ceilings. However, your lease or local ordinances—or, in rare cases, subsidized housing rules—may limit rent amounts. Check your lease agreement and any local city or town laws. For most renters, landlords can raise rent with properly given notice, but they cannot:

• Increase rent before your lease period ends, unless the lease allows it
• Raise rent with discriminatory or retaliatory intent
• Violate any local housing ordinances, especially in Burlington or Brattleboro

Understanding Vermont Rental Laws

In Vermont, the main legislation governing rental agreements is Title 9, Vermont Statutes Annotated, Chapter 137 – Residential Rental Agreements.^[1] This law describes notice requirements, lease rules, dispute resolution, and prohibits retaliatory or discriminatory rent actions.

If You Suspect a Rent Overcharge

If you believe your rent exceeds what the lease or local law allows, gather documentation first. Examples include:

• Lease agreement copies
• Rent receipts or payment records
• Any written notices from your landlord about rent increases
• Emails or letters documenting communication with your landlord

Tip: In Vermont, there is no formal rent board. Complaints are usually handled by local code enforcement offices, fair housing agencies, or the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program.

How to File a Rent Overcharge Complaint

Currently, Vermont does not provide a statewide form specifically for rent overcharge complaints. However, renters have several paths to seek help if they believe they are being overcharged:

• Contact local city code enforcement—especially in Burlington or other towns with rental ordinances
• File a general housing complaint with the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP)
• For publicly funded or subsidized housing, contact the appropriate public housing authority

Relevant Forms and Their Usage

• Consumer Complaint Form
  Used when: You believe your landlord has violated your lease or applicable laws, and you want the Attorney General to mediate or investigate.
  Consumer Assistance Program Complaint Form (PDF)
  How to file: Fill out the form, attach supporting documents, and submit by email, mail, or fax using instructions on the form. Example: A Burlington renter receives a rent increase that violates Burlington’s local ordinance. They submit this form to CAP with a copy of their lease and the landlord’s notice.
  
• Municipal Housing Complaint
  Used when: Local codes are violated (more common in Burlington, Brattleboro, and other Vermont cities with rental limits or habitability concerns).
  Example: Use Burlington Code Enforcement's online complaint portal if the overcharge involves a Burlington rental issue.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Vermont?

Unlike other states, Vermont does not have a dedicated statewide Residential Tenancies Board or Tribunal. Most disputes are handled locally through city government agencies or in Vermont Civil Superior Court. For rent disputes, most renters will work with:

• Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP)
• Local city or town code enforcement offices (e.g., Burlington Code Enforcement)
• Vermont Small Claims or Civil Courts (if disputes cannot be resolved by mediation)

Action Steps: Filing a Complaint

• Review your lease for rent limits or increase rules
• Check with your local city or town hall for any local ordinances
• Contact your landlord in writing about your concern, and keep a record
• If unresolved, fill out the Consumer Complaint Form and submit to the CAP
• If necessary, seek legal guidance or prepare to file in small claims court

FAQ About Rent Overcharge Complaints in Vermont

1. Does Vermont have statewide rent control?
   No. Vermont does not have state-level rent control or rent stabilization. Rent amounts are generally set by the market and your lease terms.
   
2. If my rent increase feels unfair, can I challenge it?
   Yes. If you believe a rent increase violates your lease or local ordinance, you can file a written complaint with the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program or your local code enforcement office.
   
3. What documentation should I include with my complaint?
   Submit your lease, rent payment history, any rent increase notice, and any correspondence with your landlord.
   
4. Can I be evicted for filing a complaint?
   No. Vermont law prohibits landlords from retaliating, including eviction threats, for filing a legitimate complaint.
   
5. Who can help me fill out the Consumer Complaint Form?
   Renters can call the Vermont Attorney General’s CAP at (800) 649-2424 for free assistance with the complaint form.
   

Key Takeaways

• Vermont does not set statewide rent ceilings, but lease rules and local ordinances may apply
• Rent overcharge complaints can be filed with the Vermont Attorney General or your city’s code office
• Gather detailed records before filing, and document all communications

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Attorney General – Consumer Assistance Program: Free mediation and complaint intake for renters (call 1-800-649-2424 or submit online)
• Vermont Legal Aid: Housing Help: Free legal information for renters
• Burlington Code Enforcement: For Burlington renters with local housing code complaints
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Law (Title 9, Ch. 137)

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1. Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 9, Chapter 137 – Residential Rental Agreements. See: Official legislation text.
2. Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program. Official website.
3. Burlington Code Enforcement – Housing Complaints. Official portal.
4. Vermont Legal Aid – Housing Rights. Official resource.

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