Vermont Landlord Heat and Hot Water Requirements Explained

Heat and hot water are essential for a safe and healthy home, especially through Vermont's long winters. As a Vermont renter, it's important to know your rights and your landlord’s obligations for providing adequate heat and hot water in your rental. Understanding state law helps you advocate for a safe, comfortable living space—and to know what steps to take if those basic needs aren’t being met.

What Are Vermont Landlords Required to Provide?

Vermont law protects tenants by requiring all landlords to supply their rental units with safe, reliable heat and hot water. These requirements are clearly outlined in the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act and statewide building codes.^[1]

Minimum Heat Requirements

• Landlords must provide and maintain a heating system in good working order, capable of maintaining at least 65°F (18°C) in all habitable rooms when the outside temperature falls below 55°F (13°C).
• This requirement typically applies from September 15 through May 15, but it may apply year-round if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

The local housing code may set stricter standards; always check with your city or town.

Hot Water Requirements

• Landlords must supply hot water at all times (year-round).
• Hot water must reach at least 120°F (49°C) at the tap for bathing, cleaning, and cooking needs.

It is also the landlord’s responsibility to maintain all equipment (boilers, water heaters, plumbing) in safe and working condition, unless your written lease says the tenant is responsible—which is very rare and must be stated clearly.

What If Your Heat or Hot Water Isn’t Working?

If your unit lacks proper heat or hot water, this is considered a violation of the habitability requirements under Vermont law.^[1]

• Contact your landlord or property manager immediately. Do so in writing (email or letter) and keep records.
• Vermont law requires landlords to make repairs promptly—typically within 24 hours for heat or hot water loss in cold weather.
• If your landlord fails to act, you may contact your local town health officer or the Vermont Department of Health to inspect your rental and force repairs.

Relevant Forms & How to Use Them

• Notice of Habitability Violation (Informal Written Notice):
  When and how to use: Write to your landlord describing the loss of heat or hot water, the date the issue began, and request repairs within a reasonable time (24-48 hours for heat/hot water). Keeps a copy for your records.
• Vermont Complaint Form for Rental Housing Safety (No specific form number):
  When and how to use: If your landlord does not respond, complete the Rental Housing Complaint Form from the Vermont Department of Health. This starts an official inspection and enforcement process.
  Download the official complaint form here.

Vermont's Residential Tenancy Tribunal

Disputes about essential services like heat and hot water are usually handled in Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division, which serves as the main authority for residential tenancy cases. The court uses the standards set out in the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act.^[2]

Steps for Renters: What to Do if Heat or Hot Water Isn’t Provided

• Document the problem: Take photos, note temperatures, and save all communications with your landlord.
• Formally notify your landlord in writing and give them a deadline to fix the problem.
• If no response, complete and submit the Rental Housing Complaint Form to your town health officer or the Vermont Department of Health.
• Seek legal advice before withholding rent or pursuing "repair and deduct" remedies, as incorrect steps could put your tenancy at risk.

Taking clear, step-by-step actions protects your rights and strengthens your case if legal action becomes necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What temperature must my landlord maintain in my Vermont apartment in winter?
   Landlords must be able to maintain at least 65°F (18°C) in every habitable room when the outside temperature drops below 55°F.
2. How quickly must my landlord restore heat or hot water after a breakdown?
   Repairs should be made as soon as possible, generally within 24 hours for heat or hot water outages, especially in cold months.
3. Can I withhold rent if my landlord fails to provide heat?
   Potentially, but you must follow state law carefully. It's recommended to get legal advice and notify your landlord officially before withholding any rent.
4. What form do I use to report my landlord to authorities for heat or hot water issues?
   Use the Vermont Rental Housing Complaint Form, available on the Vermont Department of Health website.
5. Who do I contact first about a heat or hot water problem?
   Always contact your landlord or property manager in writing first. If there's no response, notify your local health officer or contact the Vermont Department of Health.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

• Vermont law requires landlords to provide heat and hot water at minimum standards for habitability.
• If these are lacking, notify your landlord in writing and keep detailed records.
• Unresolved problems may be reported to the Vermont Department of Health using the official complaint form.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Department of Health – Rental Housing: Information and complaint forms on habitability standards.
• Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division: For settling landlord-tenant legal disputes.
• Vermont Legal Aid: Renters' Rights: Free legal information and assistance.
• Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity – Rental Help: Advocacy, mediation, and information for tenants.

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1. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. § 4455)
2. Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division

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