Vermont Automatic Lease Renewal Laws Explained

If you rent a home or apartment in Vermont, it's important to know how automatic lease renewal works and what your rights are. This article breaks down Vermont's rules on lease renewals, what happens when your lease ends, and the steps you can take to protect yourself as a renter.

Understanding Automatic Lease Renewal in Vermont

In Vermont, rental agreements (also called leases) often include terms about what happens when the original lease period is over. Sometimes, a lease will automatically renew unless you or your landlord take steps to end or change the agreement. This is called automatic renewal.

What Does Vermont Law Say About Lease Renewals?

Vermont law does not require landlords to automatically renew leases. However, many written leases may have an automatic renewal clause. If your lease has this, it usually means your agreement will continue—often month-to-month—unless proper notice is given to end it. For detailed state rules, see the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Statute (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137).¹

• If your lease does NOT mention renewal, and you stay past the end date, you usually become a "month-to-month" tenant (called a periodic tenancy).
• If your lease includes an automatic renewal clause, review it carefully—some require you or your landlord to give written notice (often 30 or 60 days) BEFORE the lease term ends to avoid renewal.

Required Notices: Ending or Renewing a Lease

If you wish to move out at the end of your lease, pay attention to any notice period required in your agreement. Vermont law does not set a standard notice time for fixed-term leases, but 30 days is common. For month-to-month or "at-will" rentals, state law requires at least 30 days' notice, unless your municipality has different rules.

• To end a month-to-month tenancy: 30 days' written notice by either landlord or tenant is required. (See 9 V.S.A. § 4467.)
• For a fixed-term lease with an automatic renewal: Check your lease. Some require 60 days' notice. If you do not provide written notice, your lease might automatically renew.

Tip: Always give written notice and keep a copy for your records. Email or written letter is recommended.

Official Forms Renters May Need

• Notice to Terminate Tenancy (sample template – no official form number):
  When to use it: If you want to move out at the end of a fixed-term lease or end a month-to-month rental, this written notice is provided to your landlord. Example: You have a lease ending June 30 and want to move; send written notice by May 31.
  View the sample notice from Vermont Judiciary.

Always check if your lease or your city has additional requirements.

What Happens If You or Your Landlord Don't Give Proper Notice?

If neither party gives written notice according to the lease (or law), your tenancy may automatically shift to a month-to-month agreement. Rent, terms, and responsibilities usually stay the same. However, after this, either party can end the agreement with proper written notice. Unclear notices or misunderstanding renewal clauses can lead to disagreements or even eviction filings.

As a Vermont renter, don’t assume your lease will just end on its expiration date. Always check your agreement and send written notice to avoid unintentional automatic renewal or legal trouble.

Who Handles Lease Disputes in Vermont?

If you have a dispute about your lease or whether it renewed automatically, this is handled by the Vermont Judiciary (Civil Division - Superior Court). Evictions and legal disagreements relating to lease renewals go through this court system.²

Key Legislation for Vermont Renters

• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Statute (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137)
• Notice for Termination, 9 V.S.A. § 4467

These laws cover your core rights and responsibilities for leases, notice periods, and renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont Lease Renewals

1. Do all Vermont leases automatically renew when they expire?
   No. Only leases with an automatic renewal clause will usually renew on their own. If your lease is silent, it likely becomes month-to-month unless you or your landlord give notice.
2. How much notice do I need to give to avoid automatic lease renewal in Vermont?
   Check your lease—often 30 or 60 days' written notice before the lease ends is required. For month-to-month rentals, Vermont law says at least 30 days' written notice.
3. What happens if I stay after my lease ends without giving notice?
   You generally become a "month-to-month" or periodic tenant, keeping the same basic terms until you or the landlord end the agreement with written notice.
4. Can a landlord raise the rent when a lease automatically renews?
   Only if your lease allows for it or if the lease converts to month-to-month (with 60 days' written notice for rent increase in most Vermont rentals).
5. Where do I go if I have a lease dispute in Vermont?
   Most lease disputes are handled by the Vermont Judiciary Civil Division of the Superior Court.

Conclusion: What Vermont Renters Should Know

When your lease ends in Vermont:

• Check your lease for automatic renewal or required notice periods
• Give written notice before the deadline to avoid unwanted renewal
• Know official sources and forms to protect your rights

Paying close attention to your lease dates and giving proper notice can help avoid confusion and disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Vermont

• Vermont Judiciary – Civil Division (handles lease disputes and evictions)
• Vermont Department for Children and Families – Rental Assistance for Tenants
• Vermont Legal Aid – Housing Rights

---

1. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Statute (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137)
2. Vermont Judiciary – Superior Court Civil Division

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations