Vermont Rent Receipts: Your Right to Written Proof

Keeping proof of rent payments is essential for every Vermont renter — whether you pay by check, money order, cash, or another method. In a state where documentation may make a difference for security deposits, disagreements, or even evictions, knowing your right to a rent receipt under Vermont law can help you avoid distressing disputes.

Understanding Your Right to Rent Receipts in Vermont

Under Vermont’s Residential Rental Agreements Law, landlords must provide you with a written receipt whenever you pay rent in cash. This helps ensure you have reliable proof of each payment.

• If you pay your rent in cash, your landlord is required by law to give you a written rent receipt, immediately upon payment.
• If you pay by check, electronic transfer, or money order, a receipt is not automatically required — but you can request one.
• Receipts must include the date, amount paid, and what the payment was for (e.g., “May rent”).

Having a rent receipt protects you in case your landlord claims you did not pay on time or pays the wrong amount, especially if you pay in cash or do not have other documentation.

What Must Be Included in a Vermont Rent Receipt?

• Date payment was received
• Amount paid
• Address of the rental unit
• Payer’s name (optional, but helpful)
• What the payment is for (e.g., “May rent” or “Security deposit”)

These details help if you ever need to show payment history to your landlord, the court, or a housing agency.

How to Request a Rent Receipt (and What to Do If Your Landlord Refuses)

Even though the law clearly protects renters who pay cash, you have a right to request a rent receipt for any form of payment. Most landlords will provide these upon request. If your landlord does not give you a required receipt, remind them of Vermont’s law (9 V.S.A. § 446a).

Here’s what you can do if your landlord refuses:

• Send a written request to your landlord (email or letter) referencing Vermont law
• Keep your own record of payments (copies of checks, bank statements, etc.)
• Contact the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development for advice or complaint procedures

Relevant Official Forms for Vermont Renters

• Sample Rent Receipt: Vermont does not have a mandatory statewide rent receipt form, but you can download a simple Rent Receipt Template provided by the Department of Housing and Community Development. You can print this and ask your landlord to sign it each time you pay in cash.
• Complaint Form: If you’re denied legal documentation, you may contact the Vermont Housing Complaint Line. Although there is no formal “rent receipt complaint” form, you can use this contact for housing rights issues.

Using these official resources can help protect your rights and avoid disputes about payment history.

Which Tribunal Handles Vermont Rent Disputes?

If you and your landlord cannot resolve a payment or receipt dispute, you may have to seek resolution through your county’s Vermont Superior Court Small Claims Division. This court hears landlord-tenant disputes regarding rent, security deposits, and receipts. Before proceeding, gather all your documentation and attempt informal resolution first.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Must my Vermont landlord give me a rent receipt for every payment? Landlords are legally required to provide a receipt if you pay rent in cash. For other payment methods, you may request one but it is not mandatory by law.
2. What should I do if my landlord will not give me a receipt? Politely remind your landlord of Vermont’s law and ask in writing. If they still refuse, keep your own payment records and contact the Vermont Housing Complaint Line for further help.
3. Does paying rent by cash put me at risk? Paying in cash is legal in Vermont, but you should always get a written receipt. Without it, disputes may be difficult to resolve.
4. Where can I file a rent receipt dispute? If informal efforts don’t work, you can file a case with your local Vermont small claims court. Always bring your payment documentation to any hearings.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

• Always ask for and keep rent receipts, especially for cash payments
• Vermont law protects your right to a receipt — do not hesitate to request one
• If you have issues, free resources and government contacts are available to help

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development: Information and assistance on tenant rights, security deposits, and complaint procedures
• Vermont Renter Complaint Line: File complaints or get guidance if your landlord won’t provide a receipt
• Vermont Superior Court Small Claims Division: For disputes requiring legal resolution
• For legal questions, you may also consult Vermont Legal Aid Housing Resources

---

1. Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 9, Chapter 137, §446a - Residential Rental Agreements
2. Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development – Renters Rights
3. Vermont Superior Court Small Claims 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