Deposit laws by state › Vermont
State law · Vermont
Vermont security deposit law
How long your landlord has to return your deposit, what they can deduct, and what happens if they get it wrong.
Short answer: Within 14 days after the tenant vacates (from the date the landlord learns of it, or the move-out date if the tenant gave notice), the landlord must return the deposit with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Seasonal non-primary residences have 60 days.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Vermont?
- Return deadline
- Within 14 days after the tenant vacates (from the date the landlord learns of it, or the move-out date if the tenant gave notice), the landlord must return the deposit with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Seasonal non-primary residences have 60 days.9 V.S.A. § 4461(c)
- Itemized list
- The itemized statement is due within the same 14 days, delivered in person or mailed to the tenant's last known address.9 V.S.A. § 4461(c)
Prefer a full page? Use the security deposit deadline calculator.
What happens if a Vermont landlord misses the deadline?
- If the landlord misses it
- A landlord who misses the 14-day deadline forfeits the right to keep any portion of the deposit.9 V.S.A. § 4461(e)
- Penalty
- If the failure is willful, the landlord owes double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs.9 V.S.A. § 4461(e)
Penalties that depend on bad faith or willfulness are possible, not automatic. Only a judge can make that finding.
What can a Vermont landlord deduct from your deposit?
What can be deducted: Only unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utility or other charges, and removing articles the tenant abandoned. (9 V.S.A. § 4461(b))
Normal wear and tear: Damage that is the result of normal wear and tear cannot be charged. (9 V.S.A. § 4461(b)(2))
What the itemized list must include: A written statement itemizing any deductions. (9 V.S.A. § 4461(c))
More on common charges: normal wear and tear, cleaning, painting, and a missing itemized list.
Taking a deposit case to small claims court in Vermont
Small-claims limit: Vermont small claims covers claims up to $10,000. (Vermont Legal Aid)
Most deposit disputes never get that far. A clear demand letter, sent by certified mail, often settles them first.
What to do if your Vermont landlord kept your deposit
- Pin down your dates. When you moved out, returned the keys, and gave a forwarding address in writing. Compare them with the deadline above.
- Gather your evidence. Move-in and move-out photos, the lease, the landlord's list of deductions, receipts and messages. The case checklist covers what matters.
- Send a demand letter by certified mail. Ask for the money, cite Vermont's rules, and give a deadline to pay. What a demand letter does.
- If they still don't pay, consider small claims court. You don't need a lawyer there.
Get a demand letter built on Vermont's rules
Upload your lease, answer plain questions, and approve a letter that cites Vermont's deposit law. About 20 minutes.
Start My Demand Letter — $19.99
Not sure yet? Check your case free →
Sources
These rules come from the same verified table the Demand Letter Companion uses, checked against the sources below on October 25, 2026. Laws change; check the current official text before relying on a date.
- 9 V.S.A. § 4461: legislature.vermont.gov
Other states: see the guides for all 50 states and DC
This page is general legal information, not legal advice. Local ordinances can add rules, and your lease and facts matter. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.