Vermont Lead Paint Disclosure Rules for Renters

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Vermont, understanding your rights around lead paint and hazard disclosures is essential—especially for properties built before 1978. Federal and state law require landlords to inform renters about potential lead hazards for your health and safety.

Why Lead Paint Laws Matter in Vermont Rentals

Lead poisoning is a risk for everyone, especially children and pregnant women. Most Vermont rental properties built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and landlords have legal obligations to disclose known hazards before you move in. Knowing your rights helps you make informed decisions and keeps your living environment safe.

Landlord Disclosure Requirements

Both federal and Vermont laws require landlords to share important information about lead paint hazards:

• For any rental unit built before 1978, landlords must provide you with specific disclosures about known lead-based paint and hazards, plus copies of any known reports or records.
• Landlords must distribute the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home." (View the pamphlet)
• Vermont law adds additional requirements for rental units, including compliance with the state’s Essential Maintenance Practices (EMPs) for properties built before 1978.

Required Lead Disclosure Form

• Form Name: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (no state-specific number; federal required form)
• When It’s Used: Landlords must provide this to renters before signing any lease for a property built before 1978.
• How It's Used (Example): If you’re renting an apartment from an older house, your landlord must give you the completed disclosure form and the EPA pamphlet before you agree to the lease. You’ll sign the form, showing you received the information.
• View the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA official PDF)

Tip: If your landlord does not give you these disclosures and you later discover lead hazards, you may have legal remedies, including the right to cancel the lease or seek damages.

Vermont's Essential Maintenance Practices (EMPs)

Vermont requires landlords of pre-1978 rental properties to perform EMPs—yearly inspections and maintenance to reduce lead dust hazards. Landlords should give renters a copy of the EMP Compliance Statement each year, showing that proper practices were followed.

• Form Name: EMP Compliance Statement (no state-specific number)
• When It’s Used: Annually, and upon a new rental agreement, for any pre-1978 property.
• How It's Used (Example): If you move into an older apartment, ask your landlord for the latest EMP Compliance Statement so you know your unit is up to code.
• EMP Compliance Statement – Official Vermont Dept. of Health

Your Rights: What to Do If You Weren’t Properly Informed

If you did not receive the required forms or find chipping, peeling paint in an old rental, you have options:

• Contact your landlord and ask for the missing disclosures/forms—do this in writing if possible.
• You may file a complaint with the Vermont Department of Health if your landlord fails to follow the law.
• Seek repairs or remediation if lead hazards are present.
• If the problem is serious or persistent, you may also contact the Vermont Superior Court’s Civil Division, which handles disputes between tenants and landlords. Learn more about Vermont Superior Court Civil Division.

Relevant Vermont Law on Lead for Rental Properties

• Vermont Statutes Annotated Title 18, Chapter 38 — Lead Poisoning Prevention
• Federal Lead-Based Paint Hazard Disclosure (24 CFR Part 35)
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements and Tenant Protections (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137)

Together, these laws set the rules for landlords and outline your renter protections.

FAQs for Vermont Renters on Lead Hazards

1. What can I do if my landlord did not give me a lead paint disclosure?
   If your landlord failed to provide the disclosure for a pre-1978 rental, you should request it in writing and may file a complaint with the Vermont Department of Health or contact the local court if the problem isn't fixed.
2. Is my landlord required to fix peeling paint in a rental built before 1978?
   Yes, landlords must follow EMPs and fix deteriorated paint in pre-1978 units to meet Vermont health and safety laws.
3. Can I break my lease if there's an undisclosed lead hazard?
   In some cases, you may have the right to cancel the lease or seek other remedies if a landlord fails to disclose known hazards. Consult Vermont’s landlord-tenant statutes and consider legal guidance.
4. Where can I report unsafe lead paint conditions?
   You can contact the Vermont Department of Health Lead Program to report concerns and request inspections.
5. What official forms should my landlord provide regarding lead hazards?
   Your landlord should give you the federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and the EMP Compliance Statement if renting a pre-1978 property.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

• Always ask for lead paint disclosures and EMP compliance records if the property was built before 1978.
• Landlords are required to inform you and maintain the property to prevent lead hazards by law.
• If you suspect non-compliance or unsafe conditions, Vermont offers clear options for complaints and tenant protections.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Department of Health — Lead Safe Rentals
• Vermont Legal Aid — Rental Rights Help
• Vermont Superior Court Civil Division — Tenant-Landlord Information
• Vermont Residential Rental Laws (Title 9, Chapter 137)

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1. Vermont Statutes Annotated Title 18, Chapter 38 — Lead Poisoning Prevention
2. Federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (24 CFR Part 35) — View Regulation
3. Vermont Department of Health Lead Safe Rentals — Official Page
4. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements — 9 V.S.A. Chapter 137
5. Vermont Department of Health EMP Compliance Statement Form — Download Form
6. EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form — Official PDF

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