Vermont Rental Utility Rules: Who Pays and What the Law Says

If you rent a home or apartment in Vermont, understanding who is responsible for paying for utilities like heat, water, and electricity is essential. Vermont rental law sets clear guidelines for how these expenses are assigned, but actual responsibility often depends on your lease agreement. This article breaks down what every Vermont renter should know about utility payments, what to check in your lease, and what to do if you feel your rights aren’t being respected.

Who Is Responsible for Utilities in Vermont Rentals?

Vermont law allows landlords and tenants to decide among themselves who will pay for utilities, such as heating, hot water, electricity, and trash removal. The specific arrangement should always be written in your rental lease or agreement. Common options include:

  • Utilities included in rent: Landlord pays for some or all utilities and includes the cost in your rent payment.
  • Tenant pays directly: You pay providers directly for services like electric, gas, or cable, often by setting up the account in your name.
  • Cost-sharing: You may split the bill with roommates, or pay only for the utilities you use if you rent a portion of the unit.

Always review your lease carefully and keep a copy for your records. If utility responsibility is not stated, Vermont’s landlord tenant law generally requires landlords to provide essential services unless you have an alternative arrangement in writing.1

Vermont Law on Essential Services

The Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act states that landlords must maintain premises in a fit and habitable condition, which includes keeping up with fundamental services like heat, running water, and electricity, unless the written rental agreement places those duties on tenants.1

If you’re unsure who pays for a utility, always check the written lease. If your lease is silent, the landlord may be responsible for basic utilities under Vermont law.

Common Utility Issues and Renter Rights

There can be disagreements over who pays for utilities, especially if bills are not in your name or you’re being asked to pay for services you did not agree to. Vermont renters have protections and official pathways for dispute resolution:

  • No utility shut-off as retaliation: Landlords cannot shut off or threaten to shut off utilities to force you to move out or as a punishment for complaining.
  • Shared utility meters: If you share a meter with another unit, Vermont law requires your landlord to disclose this in writing. You cannot be charged for services supplied to spaces outside your rental unit unless your lease makes it clear.2
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Sample Lease Clause Example

"Tenant is responsible for electric and internet. Landlord is responsible for heat, water, and trash removal. All accounts to be set up in Tenant’s name except where not permitted by the utility provider."

How to Resolve Utility Disputes

If you believe you are being unfairly charged for utilities or your landlord fails to provide essential services, you have options:

  • Document the issue: Keep copies of utility bills, lease terms, and any written notices.
  • Notify your landlord in writing: Clearly describe the issue and allow them a reasonable time to respond or fix the problem.
  • Contact the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development: They offer information and links to file complaints or get support. Visit Vermont Housing.
  • File with the appropriate tribunal: The Vermont Superior Court Civil Division Small Claims or Civil Division handles rental disputes.

Relevant Official Forms for Renters

  • Vermont Small Claims Complaint (Form 800):
    • When to use: If your landlord refuses to refund utility overcharges or pay for essential services, you can use this form to file a claim in Small Claims Court.
    • How to use: Fill out the form, attach copies of your lease and utility bills, and file it with your local court.
    • Download Vermont Small Claims Complaint Form 800 (Official)

For forms related to habitability complaints or other enforcement actions, visit the Vermont Judiciary official forms page.

What Does the Landlord Have to Provide?

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, your landlord is responsible for ensuring the following services are available and in working order:

  • Heat, water, hot water, and electricity
  • Sanitary facilities
  • Trash removal

Landlords must comply with all state and health codes, even if you agree to provide or pay for services directly.1

FAQ: Utility Charges in Vermont Rentals

  1. Can my landlord require me to pay for utilities not specified in the lease?
    No. If your lease does not make you responsible for a specific utility, your landlord generally cannot require you to pay for it.
  2. What if my rental has a shared utility meter?
    Vermont law requires written notice in your lease, and you should only pay for services used in your unit unless otherwise agreed.2
  3. Can my landlord shut off my utilities for nonpayment of rent?
    No, utility shut-offs for nonpayment of rent are considered an illegal "self-help eviction." This can be reported to the court or housing division.3
  4. Where do I complain about utility shutoffs or unresolved disputes?
    File a complaint with the Vermont Superior Court Civil Division or get guidance from the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

  • Utility payment responsibility in Vermont is determined by your written lease and state law.
  • Landlords must provide basic services unless another agreement is made in writing.
  • If a dispute arises, use official state resources and forms to protect your rights.

Always review your lease before signing, retain copies for records, and seek help from Vermont legal resources if you run into trouble.

Need Help? Resources for Renters


  1. Vermont Statutes – 9 V.S.A. § 4454: Maintenance of premises
  2. Vermont Statutes – 9 V.S.A. § 4491c: Shared meters
  3. Vermont Statutes – 9 V.S.A. § 4463: Retaliatory conduct prohibited
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.