Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn’t make repairs?

Vermont law allows rent withholding for serious repair issues only after proper written notice to the landlord, but legal steps must be followed. Seek legal help first.

Who do I call if my Vermont landlord ignores repair requests?

Contact the Vermont Department of Health or your local town health officer to report rental housing violations and request an inspection.

Is there a Vermont state form for repair requests?

No official state form exists. Write a dated letter or email to your landlord describing the problem and keep a copy for your records.

What is the main law covering Vermont landlord repairs?

Landlord repair duties are set by the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137).

Vermont Landlord Repair and Maintenance Duties Explained

Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Vermont published: June 21, 2025

As a renter in Vermont, knowing your rights around repairs, maintenance, and habitability can help you ensure your home stays safe and comfortable. Vermont law clearly outlines what landlords must do to keep rental properties in good condition, as well as your steps if something breaks or becomes unsafe.

What Are Landlords Legally Required to Repair in Vermont?

Vermont's landlord-tenant laws set minimum standards for rental units. Under the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137), landlords must make sure every rental unit is fit for occupation. This includes making timely repairs and keeping the home safe and sanitary.

Water: Clean, running hot and cold water must be provided at all times.
Heat: Landlords are responsible for providing and maintaining heating systems. Heat must generally be available from September 15 to May 15.
Plumbing and electrical: Systems must work safely and be up to code.
Floors, walls, ceilings, and roofs: Must be structurally sound and weatherproof.
Common areas: Hallways, entryways, and shared spaces must be kept safe and clean.
Vermin/pests: Landlords are responsible for treatment if the rental was infested when you moved in, or if the infestation affects more than your unit.

Landlords can't shift these basic responsibilities to you, even by contract. However, you are expected to maintain cleanliness and report issues promptly.

How to Request Repairs from Your Landlord

If you notice a problem—clogged plumbing, a broken heater, a leaking roof—you must notify your landlord as soon as possible. Vermont law recommends putting your request in writing and keeping a copy. This documented notice will be important if you need to take further action later.

Email or physical letter work well—be clear, polite, and specific about the issue and needed repairs.
Include the date and allow a reasonable time for response (Vermont law doesn’t set a strict timetable, but 14 days is generally considered fair for most non-emergency repairs).
For emergencies (like no heat, no water, or serious health/safety risks), landlords should act much faster—often within 24–48 hours.

What If Your Landlord Doesn’t Respond?

If you have notified your landlord and there’s still no action, you can consider these further steps:

Contact your local Vermont Department of Health environmental health office to request a rental housing inspection. Inspectors can require landlords to fix violations of state and local codes.
In serious cases, you may withhold rent or pay for repairs and deduct the cost from your rent. However, you must follow Vermont law carefully to do this legally. It is often best to speak with a renter advocate or attorney before proceeding.
You may also be able to file a claim in the Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division (the state tribunal for residential tenancy disputes). See details below.

Key Vermont Maintenance Forms and Resources

Notice to Landlord – Request for Repairs (No official state form)
There is no standardized Vermont form for this, but renters should follow best practices:
- Write a clear, dated letter that identifies the repair needed and how it affects your use or safety.
- Send it to your landlord via email or certified mail for proof of delivery.
Example: If your furnace is broken in winter, provide written notice to your landlord asking for a prompt repair. Keep a copy and note the date submitted.
Rental Housing Health Code Complaint
If your landlord does not make repairs after your written request, you may file a complaint with the Vermont Department of Health. No special form is needed—contact your local health office and describe the issue.
Example: If a leaking pipe causes persistent mold and the landlord won’t fix it, you can request an official inspection.
Court Action Forms
If you go to court to enforce repairs or withhold rent due to uninhabitable conditions, you’ll use the Complaint for Emergency Relief - Tenant Action (Form 400-00137T) with the Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division. This is used, for example, to ask the court to order repairs when your health or safety is at immediate risk.

Vermont’s Residential Tenancy Tribunal

Residential tenancy disputes in Vermont—such as habitability, repairs, and violations—are handled by the Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division. Their authority and processes are governed by the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act.
Find your local court and learn more about tenant legal action on the Vermont Judiciary website.

Your Responsibilities as a Renter

Tenants in Vermont are required to:

Keep your unit clean and safe
Dispose of trash properly
Not deliberately damage property
Report maintenance issues promptly

This helps landlords maintain the building and protects your rights in repair disputes.

Tip: Always keep copies of all correspondence and photos of any maintenance issue. This documentation can be valuable if you need to seek outside help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn’t make repairs?
In Vermont, you may be able to withhold rent if your landlord fails to make repairs impacting health or safety after proper written notice. However, you must follow all steps in the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act and provide notice to your landlord. Consulting a renter advocacy group or attorney is recommended before withholding rent.
Who inspects rental housing for code violations?
The Vermont Department of Health is responsible for inspecting rental housing health code violations. Local code officers or town health officers may also conduct inspections.
Is there a Vermont state form to report landlord repair issues?
Vermont does not provide a standard statewide repair request form. Tenants should write a detailed letter or email, keeping copies as records.
How quickly must landlords respond to emergency repairs?
Vermont law does not specify an exact timeframe, but landlords are expected to act promptly—typically within 24–48 hours for issues like no heat, flooding, or major safety hazards.
What law governs landlord repair responsibilities in Vermont?
Landlord maintenance and repair duties are set by the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137).

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

Landlords must keep rentals safe and habitable—heat, water, and repairs are their legal responsibility.
Report repair needs in writing and keep records for your protection.
Support is available from the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division if repairs are not made after you notify your landlord.

Knowing your rights and following these steps can help ensure your home remains comfortable and safe.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Vermont Department of Health – Rental Housing: File complaints, schedule inspections, and learn about code requirements.
Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division: Handles tenant vs. landlord repair, habitability, and health/safety claims.
Vermont Legal Aid: Rental Repairs Guide: Step-by-step tenant guides to help you work with your landlord or take legal action if necessary.