Vermont Renters: Who Pays for Internet in Apartments?

Access to reliable internet service is more than a convenience—it's often essential for work, study, and daily life. As a renter in Vermont, you may wonder whether your landlord or you are responsible for setting up and paying for internet service in your apartment. Knowing your rights and obligations can prevent disputes and help ensure you receive the services you expect when you move in.

Who Is Responsible for Internet Service in Vermont Apartments?

In Vermont, there is no specific statewide law that requires landlords to provide internet service as a standard amenity. Typically, whether internet is included depends on the terms of your lease agreement. Most Vermont lease agreements fall into these categories:

• Internet Included: The lease clearly states that internet service and billing are included as part of your rent or as a separate charge collected by the landlord.
• Internet Not Included: You are responsible for obtaining and paying for internet service directly with the provider. The landlord's only responsibility is to ensure access for installation if feasible.
• Shared or Bulk Internet: Some apartment buildings offer building-wide or bulk internet, in which case details, costs, and terms must be specified in your lease.

Always read your lease agreement carefully to understand what is provided and who is responsible for payment and setup.

Your Rights as a Vermont Renter

While Vermont law does not require landlords to supply internet or cable, you do have certain housing rights:

• A right to "quiet enjoyment" of your rental (Vermont Statutes, Title 9, Ch. 137 § 4455), including reasonable access to utility installations.
• If your lease includes internet as a utility, the landlord must provide and maintain the service as agreed.
• If you are responsible for service, your landlord can't unreasonably deny access to providers for installation or repair.

If your landlord promises internet service (in the lease or advertising) but fails to provide it, you may be able to file a complaint or request a rent adjustment based on what was agreed.

Common Internet Service Issues in Vermont Rentals

Here are common scenarios Vermont renters face:

• Advertising vs. Reality: If a landlord advertises "free internet" but the lease omits it, ask for clarification and request that it be added to your lease in writing.
• Installation Access: If you are setting up your own internet, your landlord generally must allow access for legitimate providers unless there are reasonable concerns (such as building safety or historic status).
• Shared Connections: If internet is shared among tenants, ensure the agreement outlines speed, privacy, and any usage limits.
• Billing Disputes: If internet charges suddenly appear without notice or lease agreement, you can dispute those fees through Vermont's tenant protection laws.

Vermont’s tenancy legislation protects renters from unfair utility billing or unexpected fees. Always keep copies of your lease and any related communications, as you may need them to resolve disputes or file complaints.

What Forms or Legal Actions Can Vermont Renters Use?

• Vermont Tenant Complaint Form (no official number).
  Use this form if your landlord is not honoring the utility or internet terms of your lease, or if you experience retaliation after raising a utility-related concern.
  Vermont Attorney General Tenant Complaint Form

How to use: For example, if your lease promises "inclusive internet" but it’s not working and management will not respond, fill out the Tenant Complaint Form with the Attorney General’s Office. Provide supporting documents such as your lease and correspondence.

Filing a Complaint or Seeking Resolution

• Try to resolve the issue with your landlord in writing first.
• If unresolved, submit the Vermont Tenant Complaint Form online or by mail.
• For serious unresolved issues—like breach of lease—you may file a claim at the Vermont Judicial Bureau.

Relevant Tenancy Laws and Resources

Internet service responsibilities fall under lease agreements and general housing standards in Vermont’s main rental law, the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act, Title 9, Chapter 137^[1]. This law also protects you from illegal fees and gives you rights regarding fair housing standards.

1. Do Vermont landlords have to provide internet?
   No, unless the lease says so. Vermont law does not require landlords to supply internet as a basic utility.
2. If my lease says “internet included,” what if I don’t get service?
   If your landlord fails to provide a service listed in your lease, you can file a complaint with the state or seek a rent abatement through civil court.
3. Can my landlord stop me from installing my own internet?
   Landlords usually can’t refuse reasonable access for installation by a legitimate provider, but you may be responsible for restoring any alterations when you move out.
4. How do I dispute surprise internet charges?
   First, talk to your landlord in writing. If that does not work, use the official Vermont Tenant Complaint Form linked above, or contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program.
5. Does “utilities included” in my lease cover internet?
   Not usually. In Vermont, "utilities included" normally means heat, electricity, water, and sometimes trash. Internet must be listed separately to be included.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Attorney General Consumer Assistance Program: Help with complaints and questions on landlord-tenant issues.
• Vermont Department for Children and Families: Rental Assistance Programs
• Vermont Judicial Bureau: Handles rent-related disputes and legal claims (acts as the tribunal for rental housing).
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (Title 9, Chapter 137): State housing law for tenants and landlords.

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1. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act, Title 9, Chapter 137
2. Vermont Attorney General Consumer Assistance Program
3. Vermont Judicial Bureau – Rent and Eviction

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