Vermont Tenant Rights: What to Do About Mold in Rentals

If you're renting in Vermont and have discovered mold in your apartment or rental home, it's important to understand your rights and the steps to take for a safe and healthy living space. Vermont law protects tenants from unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions, including mold, and sets out clear requirements for landlords to address maintenance and repair issues promptly.

Understanding Mold and Habitability in Vermont Rentals

Mold can pose health risks and, under most circumstances, is considered to affect the "habitability" of a rental property in Vermont. This means your landlord has a legal duty to provide a living space that's safe and fit to live in. Under Vermont's Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. § 4451-4468), landlords are required to keep rental units in a condition that complies with health and safety codes.¹

What Are Landlords Responsible For?

According to Vermont law, landlords must:

• Keep the premises in a safe and sanitary condition
• Make all repairs needed to keep the home habitable, including addressing moisture and mold issues
• Maintain common areas to prevent health hazards
• Respond to tenant maintenance requests in a "reasonable time"

Tenants also have a responsibility to notify the landlord of problems that arise, such as visible mold or water leaks.

What to Do If You Find Mold in Your Vermont Rental

If you notice mold, it's important to act quickly. Mold can worsen over time and may impact your health or that of your household. Here’s what you can do:

• Document the mold with photos and note where and when you found it
• Notify your landlord or property manager in writing as soon as possible
• Keep copies of all communications and records of your request

If the landlord does not respond in a reasonable amount of time or refuses to fix the problem, you have options under Vermont law, including involving your local health officer or taking legal action.

Relevant Official Forms for Vermont Renters

• Housing Complaint Form (No Standard Number):
  Use this form to report unsafe or unhealthy conditions in your rental, such as mold, to your local Town Health Officer or Vermont Department of Health.
  Example: Jane, a renter in Burlington, finds recurring mold on her apartment wall. After notifying her landlord without results, she submits the Housing Complaint Form online to the Town Health Officer.
  Download Housing Complaint Form (PDF)
• Notice to Landlord of Defects (9 V.S.A. § 4458):
  Not a standard form, but tenants are encouraged to provide written notice to the landlord specifying what needs repair.
  Example: John emails his landlord a written list of needed repairs after spotting mold in his bathroom.
  View statute about written notice requirements

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Vermont?

In Vermont, rental housing disputes are typically settled in Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division, not a separate tribunal. For most mold-related issues, the first step is often contacting your local health officer or the Vermont Department of Health to request an inspection or help with enforcement.²

Vermont Tenancy Legislation

Vermont's rental laws are covered under the Residential Rental Agreements Act. These laws outline landlord duties, tenant rights, health and safety maintenance, repairs, and the process for resolving disputes.

FAQ About Mold Problems and Tenant Rights in Vermont

1. What should I do if my landlord doesn’t fix a mold problem?
   Document the issue, notify your landlord in writing, and if not addressed in a reasonable time, report it using the Housing Complaint Form to your local health officer or contact the Vermont Department of Health.
2. Is my landlord always responsible for mold?
   Landlords are responsible for repairing leaks and maintaining the property, but if the mold is caused by a tenant’s actions (like failing to ventilate), the tenant may be responsible. Each situation is evaluated individually.
3. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn't remove mold?
   Do not withhold rent without legal advice. Vermont law has strict rules about rent withholding and it can lead to eviction if not done correctly. Seek help from legal aid or local health authorities.
4. How long does a landlord have to fix mold?
   Vermont law requires landlords to address habitability problems in a "reasonable time" after receiving notice. What is reasonable depends on the urgency and severity of the issue.
5. What agency can I contact for mold or unsafe living conditions?
   Contact your local Town Health Officer or the Vermont Department of Health for inspections and enforcement support.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters Facing Mold Issues

• Report mold problems to your landlord in writing and keep documentation
• Use the Housing Complaint Form if your landlord fails to act
• Contact local health authorities for inspections and enforcement

Mold and habitability issues are taken seriously under Vermont rental laws—acting quickly and staying informed helps you protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Department of Health – Rental Housing Health Code
• Find Your Local Town Health Officer
• Vermont Legal Aid – Housing Help for Renters
• Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division (for rental disputes)

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1. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. § 4451-4468)
2. Vermont Department of Health – Rental Housing Code & Reporting

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