Understanding Rent Stabilization Laws in Vermont

If you’re renting in Vermont, you might wonder what protections exist against large rent increases, what rent stabilization means, or if there are official limits on how much your landlord can raise your rent. While some U.S. states and cities have strong rent control laws, Vermont’s approach is unique. This guide helps explain Vermont’s stance on rent stabilization and what rights renters have under state law.

Is Rent Stabilization in Effect in Vermont?

Vermont does not have a statewide rent control or rent stabilization law. In most cases, landlords are allowed to set the initial rent and increase it with proper notice. However, a few local governments in Vermont—like Burlington—may have their own special ordinances offering some rent-related protections. See your local city or town government’s website for specific local regulations.

Vermont Laws Governing Rent Increases

In Vermont, landlords must follow certain rules when raising rent. State law requires that any change to rental terms—including a rent increase—must come with written notice at least 60 days before the increase takes effect. This applies to both month-to-month and year-long leases unless a written lease says otherwise.

• There is no statewide cap on how much a landlord can raise the rent.
• Landlords must provide “actual notice” (meaning written and delivered to you directly)—see Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act for details.

This means you have time to prepare or negotiate, but there’s no law limiting the amount of a rent increase except where a local ordinance or written lease says otherwise.

Tenant Protections and Dispute Resolution

While there isn’t rent stabilization in the traditional sense, Vermont protects renters with these rules:

• Notice of Rent Increase: Landlords must provide a 60-day written notice before raising rent (unless stated otherwise in the lease).
• Termination of Tenancy: If a landlord wants to end a tenancy (including after a rent increase), they must also provide notice (e.g., 60 days for no-cause termination on a month-to-month agreement).
• Retaliation Protections: Landlords cannot raise rent, reduce services, or try to evict you for asserting your legal rights (for example, complaining to code enforcement or joining a tenant association).

If you feel a rent increase is in retaliation, you can submit a formal complaint to the Vermont Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program.

Which Forms Should Vermont Renters Know?

• Notice of Rent Increase (no official form number): Landlords must give you this written notice at least 60 days before a rent change. There isn’t a government-mandated form, but the notice must include the new amount, the effective date, and be delivered in writing. Save all correspondence for your records. See a general template on the Vermont State Housing Authority.
• Complaint Form – Consumer Protection (Vermont Attorney General): Use when you need to report a concern such as a retaliatory rent increase or illegal landlord action. This is done through the Office of the Attorney General. File online here. For example: You receive a sudden rent increase right after requesting repairs; you can file a complaint using this form for a state review.

Where Are Rental Disputes Handled in Vermont?

Residential tenancy disputes in Vermont are generally handled by the Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division, which oversees landlord-tenant issues. Additionally, you can reach out to the Office of the Attorney General for consumer protection matters or retaliation complaints.

Relevant Vermont Tenancy Legislation

The main law governing rental housing in Vermont is the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act, 9 V.S.A. Chapter 137. This law covers notices, rent increases, security deposits, termination rules, tenant rights, and retaliatory actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Vermont have rent control or rent stabilization?
   Vermont does not have statewide rent control or rent stabilization. Rent increases are allowed with a minimum 60-day written notice unless a local ordinance says otherwise.
2. How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
   Landlords must provide a written notice at least 60 days before the new rent amount takes effect, unless your lease says otherwise.
3. Is there a limit to how much my landlord can raise the rent?
   There is no legal limit on rent increases at the state level, but check your lease and local city or town ordinances for any additional protections.
4. Can I challenge a rent increase I think is retaliatory?
   Yes. If you believe a rent increase is meant to punish you for exercising your renter rights, you can file a complaint with the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program.
5. Where can I get help if I believe my rights are being violated?
   You can contact the Vermont Attorney General, seek assistance at Vermont Legal Aid, or use self-help resources from the Vermont Judiciary.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

• Vermont does not have statewide rent stabilization or rent control, but landlords must provide 60 days’ written notice for any rent increase.
• Retaliatory rent increases are not permitted—if you believe this applies to you, file a complaint with the Attorney General.
• Some cities or towns may offer added renter protections, so always check your local rules and your lease terms.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Assistance Program: For complaints about illegal rent increases or landlord retaliation.
• Vermont Judiciary – Housing Law Self-Help Center: Legal resources and self-help forms for rental disputes.
• Vermont State Housing Authority: Assistance and sample forms.
• Vermont Legal Aid – Renters Section: Free legal information for tenants.
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act: Full text of the main state law for renters and landlords.

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1. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act, 9 V.S.A. Chapter 137
2. Vermont Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Assistance Program
3. Vermont Judiciary – Housing Law Self-Help Center
4. Vermont State Housing Authority

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