Vermont Renters: Required Lease Disclosures Explained

Signing a lease in Vermont comes with important legal requirements. Renters should know what information landlords must provide in every residential lease agreement. This guide highlights the required disclosures, helps you recognize official forms, and links to government resources to make your renting experience safer and more informed.

What Disclosures Are Required in Vermont Residential Leases?

Vermont law protects renters by requiring landlords to disclose certain information before or at the time a lease is signed. These disclosures promote transparency and support a healthy landlord-tenant relationship. Here’s what must be included in most residential leases:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (if the property was built before 1978)
• Rental Housing Health Code/Inspection Information
• Owner/Agent Contact Details
• Information About Utility Arrangements

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Federal law requires that if your rental property was built before 1978, your landlord must provide you with information about lead-based paint hazards. This must include:

• The EPA pamphlet “Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home”
• The Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (sample form – HUD-9548-E)

When it applies: If you are signing or renewing a lease for a home or apartment built before 1978, your landlord must attach the disclosure form and pamphlet. If this was not provided, ask your landlord or contact Vermont’s Department of Health for assistance.

Rental Housing Health Code Information

Vermont landlords must ensure their units comply with Vermont Rental Housing Health Code standards. Landlords are recommended to notify tenants that these standards exist and provide local inspection contact information if needed. If your unit is subject to inspection, landlords must let you know about:

• Any outstanding health code violations
• Relevant city or town rental registries (such as Burlington's)
  • For Burlington, review the Burlington Rental Registration standards

Owner and Agent Contact Disclosure

Vermont’s residential rental law (9 V.S.A. § 4452) requires landlords to provide written notice of:

• The landlord’s name and address
• The owner (if different) and any authorized agents’ contact information

This helps establish a clear line of communication if you need to report issues or emergencies.

Utility Arrangements and Shared Meters

If utilities are not included in rent, your lease should clearly state:

• Which utilities you pay separately
• If any meters are shared with another unit (known as "shared metering")

If there is shared metering, landlords must provide a written notice explaining how utility costs are calculated and shared under Vermont law (9 V.S.A. § 4461). If you are unsure, ask your landlord to clarify in writing before signing your lease.

Official Forms and Practical Examples

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (HUD-9548-E)
  Use: Must be attached to leases for all housing built before 1978. If you rent such a property, check your lease packet for this form or ask your landlord.
  Access the official disclosure form here.
• EPA Lead Safety Pamphlet
  Use: Provided together with the lead disclosure for older units. Read it carefully to understand your risk and responsibilities. Download this pamphlet from the EPA.

Relevant Vermont Tenancy Laws and Tribunal

The main law protecting Vermont renters is the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137). For official complaints, small claims, or tenant petitions, matters are generally handled by the Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division.

FAQ: Residential Lease Disclosures in Vermont

1. What should I do if my landlord does not give me the required disclosures?
   If you didn’t receive required disclosures, politely request them in writing. If your landlord refuses, you can contact Vermont’s Department of Health or your local health officer. For unresolved issues, Vermont Superior Court (Civil Division) can assist with legal remedies.
2. Do all Vermont rentals need lead paint disclosures?
   Only rentals built before 1978 require the lead-based paint disclosure and safety pamphlet. Newer units are exempt.
3. Can I see the health inspection results before signing a lease?
   You can request this information from your landlord, especially if the city has a rental registry or known health code violations. For cities like Burlington, inspection records are part of public information.
4. What is the penalty for landlords who don’t follow disclosure rules?
   Tenants may have the right to break a lease or seek damages in court if key disclosures are not provided. Vermont courts can enforce these protections.
5. How do I get help if there’s a dispute about my lease or disclosures?
   Contact a local tenant assistance organization or Vermont Legal Aid. For serious legal disputes, you may file a claim with the Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

• Vermont law requires your landlord to provide safety, contact, and lead paint disclosures.
• Ask for paperwork if renting older properties or if utility splitting is unclear.
• Always read and understand official forms before signing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Department of Health – Tenant and Landlord Lead Information
• Vermont Legal Aid – Housing Help
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (Full Text)
• Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division (for disputes and claims)

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1. [1] Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137)
2. [2] HUD Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form for Rentals (HUD-9548-E)
3. [3] EPA: Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home – Disclosure Rule
4. [4] Vermont Rental Housing Health Code
5. [5] Vermont Judiciary: Superior Court – Civil Division

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