Vermont Utilities Setup Guide for New Renters

Moving into a new rental in Vermont is exciting, but making sure your essential utilities are set up is critical for a smooth transition. Understanding your responsibilities and knowing which services require action can help prevent gaps, extra fees, or legal trouble. This guide covers all you need for setting up electricity, water, gas, heat, internet, trash, and related services under Vermont’s residential tenancy laws.

Understanding Utility Responsibilities in Vermont Rentals

In Vermont, utility duties (such as electricity, heat, and water) should be clearly outlined in your lease. By law, landlords must provide and maintain essential services, but some services might be transferred to tenants per your rental agreement. Always review your lease and ask your landlord about utilities before moving in.^[1]

Checklist: Setting Up Utilities in Your Vermont Rental

Here are key utilities you’ll want to arrange or confirm as you move in. Setting these up early helps avoid delays or disruptions:

• Electricity – Most Vermont rentals use Green Mountain Power or your local municipal company for electric service.
• Water & Sewer – In many cases, the city or town manages water. Contact your municipal office to transfer or activate service; sometimes your landlord handles this.
• Natural Gas/Propane – Providers like Vermont Gas Systems or local propane companies can assist. Check if your unit uses natural gas and arrange an account if needed.
• Heating Oil or Wood – Rural homes may use oil or wood; confirm with landlord about fuel delivery and initial setup.
• Trash & Recycling – Some towns provide these services; in other locations, you may need a private hauler. Visit the State of Vermont Solid Waste Division for local information.
• Internet and Cable – Choose from available providers in your area; setup is usually done directly with the company.
• Phone – Landlines are less common, but still available in some areas.

If your lease does not specify who pays for a utility, Vermont law assumes the landlord is responsible for keeping essential services active.^[1]

Essential Vermont Forms for Utility Service Setup & Assistance

• Application for Utility Service – Green Mountain Power
  • How to use: New tenants use this form to start electric service in their name. Apply online via Green Mountain Power's Start/Stop service page. You will need your address, move-in date, and government ID.
• Vermont Emergency Assistance Program Application
  • Purpose: Renters facing shutoff or unable to pay may apply for aid via the Department for Children and Families.

There is no standardized, state-wide tenant utility complaint form in Vermont. If a landlord fails to provide agreed essential utilities, you may contact the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP).

Key Steps for a Smooth Move-In Utility Setup

• Read your lease carefully to clarify which utilities are your responsibility.
• Check for move-in inspection or disclosure forms regarding heating/fuel systems (required when rental uses non-municipal fuel).
• Contact utility providers at least one week before your move-in to avoid service gaps.
• Document meter readings and the condition of appliances at move-in for future reference.

Relevant Laws and Oversight Boards in Vermont

• The main law for renters and landlords is the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137).
• Utility shutoffs, notice requirements, and tenant protections also fall under oversight of the Vermont Public Utility Commission and the Department of Public Service.
• Official disputes or landlord-tenant complaints regarding habitability, lack of essential services, or utility shutoffs may be addressed through the Consumer Assistance Program or local court.

FAQ: Utilities and New Rentals in Vermont

1. Who is responsible for paying utilities in Vermont rentals?
   Responsibility depends on your lease. If the lease states you must pay, you need to set up those accounts. Otherwise, landlords must maintain and pay for essential services.
2. How do I switch utilities into my name when renting?
   Contact the utility company directly (e.g., Green Mountain Power), provide your new address and move-in date, and follow their application process before your move-in day.
3. What if my landlord fails to provide heat or water?
   Vermont law protects you from loss of essential services. Notify your landlord, keep records, and if not resolved, report the issue to the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program.
4. Are landlords required to provide internet or cable?
   No. Only heat, hot water, power, and similar essentials are required by law: internet or cable is up to lease agreements.
5. Can utilities be shut off in winter?
   Vermont bans utility disconnections during cold months for residential renters. Learn more through the Vermont Cold Weather Rule.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

• Read your lease to confirm which utilities you must arrange.
• Start utility setup well before moving in, and keep documentation.
• Know your rights: landlords must maintain essential utilities.

Using this checklist and understanding your rights helps ensure a safe and comfortable start in your new Vermont rental home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Emergency Assistance for Utilities – Help with bills or past-due notices.
• Vermont Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program – For utility disputes or unresolved service problems.
• Vermont Public Utility Commission – Utility rules and complaint procedures.
• Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137) – Full law detailing rights and duties of landlords and tenants.
• Contact your town clerk or municipal office for local water/sewer/trash information.

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1. See Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137), especially §§ 4457–4459 (landlord and tenant obligations, services, and repairs).
2. Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC): for utility regulations, consumer rights, and complaint forms.
3. Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP): tenant complaint and mediation assistance.
4. Vermont Cold Weather Rule: protections on winter disconnections.

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