Vermont Pet Rent Laws: What Renters Need to Know

If you rent a home or apartment in Vermont and own a pet, you may be asked to pay extra charges like pet rent or a pet deposit. Understanding what your landlord is allowed to charge—and what’s not permitted under Vermont law—can help you protect your rights and avoid costly surprises. Here’s what Vermont renters need to know about pet rent, fees, and security deposits, along with steps you can take if you face issues.

Pet Rent and Fees: What’s Allowed in Vermont?

Landlords in Vermont are allowed to charge additional fees for tenants with pets. This may appear as monthly pet rent or a one-time pet deposit. However, it’s important to know the difference between these types of charges and where state law sets boundaries.

Pet Rent vs. Pet Deposits

• Pet Rent: A recurring, extra monthly charge for tenants who have pets.
• Pet Deposit: A refundable amount collected to cover possible pet-related damages, typically due at move-in.

Vermont does not set a specific cap for pet rent or pet-specific fees, meaning landlords can set these charges as long as they are reasonable, clearly stated in your lease, and not used to discriminate against protected classes.

Security Deposit Limits and Pet Fees

State law limits security deposits to one month's rent, which includes any additional amounts collected as a deposit, such as pet deposits. This means:

• The total security deposit (including pet or cleaning deposits) cannot be more than one month’s rent.
• Landlords may still charge separate, non-refundable fees such as monthly pet rent, as these are not considered part of the security deposit.

All deposits and fees must be clearly listed in your rental agreement.

Support and Service Animals: Different Rules

Under federal and Vermont fair housing laws, service animals and emotional support animals are not considered pets. Landlords cannot charge pet rent, pet deposits, or additional fees for these animals, though renters are still responsible for any actual damage caused.

To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Reasonable Accommodations page and refer to the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act.

Filing a Complaint for Improper Pet Fees

If you believe you’ve been charged an unlawful or excessive pet deposit, or that your rights relating to a support or service animal have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Vermont Human Rights Commission, which enforces fair housing laws for renters statewide.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Vermont Residential Rental Agreement Sample (No Form Number): Used to outline tenant-landlord agreements, including any pet rent or deposits. Ask your landlord for a copy or find samples at the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development.
• Reasonable Accommodation Request Letter (No Official Number): Use this if you need your landlord to waive a pet fee for a support or service animal. Templates and more info are at Vermont Human Rights Commission—Fair Housing.

Example: If you have a therapy dog, you can write a Reasonable Accommodation Request to ask your landlord not to charge pet rent or a deposit, providing supporting documentation from your healthcare provider.

Tribunal and Laws That Protect Renters

Residential tenancy disputes in Vermont are handled in local Civil Superior Courts. These courts hear cases on deposits, fees, and lease terms. For discrimination concerns (such as improper fees for service animals), contact the Vermont Human Rights Commission.

The key law covering tenancy issues is the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137).¹

1. Can Vermont landlords charge both a security deposit and a pet deposit?
   Landlords may only collect a combined total security deposit—including any pet deposit—up to one month's rent. They cannot collect separate, additional deposits beyond that cap.
2. Are there limits to pet rent amounts in Vermont?
   There are no set limits under state law on the amount of pet rent, but any charge must be transparently spelled out in your rental agreement and not used to discriminate.
3. Can pet rent or deposits be charged for service or emotional support animals?
   No. Federal and state fair housing laws prohibit landlords from charging any pet fees or deposits for service or support animals, though tenants must pay for any real damages caused by these animals.
4. What can I do if I think my landlord is charging illegal pet fees?
   Contact the Vermont Human Rights Commission for discrimination issues or file a complaint in Civil Superior Court for security deposit matters. Collect any written agreements and receipts to support your claim.
5. Where can I get help if my landlord refuses to return my pet deposit?
   You can seek help through Vermont Legal Aid, your local Civil Superior Court, or file a complaint at the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

• Landlords may charge pet rent or a pet deposit, but all deposits together cannot exceed one month’s rent.
• No pet rent or deposit may be charged for service or support animals.
• All charges must be clearly outlined in your lease. If you believe fees are unfair or excessive, use official complaint channels and seek legal advice.

Understanding your lease agreements and Vermont tenant laws helps you avoid surprises and stand up for your rights as a renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development: Rental laws, guides, and sample forms.
• Vermont Human Rights Commission—Fair Housing Complaint: For discrimination or improper charges related to service/support animals.
• Vermont Judiciary—Landlord/Tenant Self-Help: Court process info, help filing claims.
• Vermont Legal Aid—Housing Help: Free legal support if you struggle with your landlord.

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1. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137)
2. Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development—Renters & Landlords
3. Vermont Human Rights Commission—Fair Housing
4. Vermont Judiciary—Landlord/Tenant Self-Help

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