Vermont · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Vermont security deposit law

In Vermont, your landlord has 14 days (60 for seasonal rentals) to return your deposit.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

Short answer

In Vermont, the deposit limit is: No statewide limit. The landlord must return it as follows: Within 14 days after you move out (if you told the landlord your move-out date), or 14 days after the landlord discovers you moved out or abandoned the unit, the landlord must hand-deliver or mail to your last known address the deposit and a written statement itemizing any deductions.

deposit limit: No statewide limit
to return a deposit: 14 days (60 for seasonal rentals)
deposit penalty: Up to 2× (willful)

Get your letter ↓ Check the deadline ↓

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Vermont: Within 14 days after you move out (if you told the landlord your move-out date), or 14 days after the landlord discovers you moved out or abandoned the unit, the landlord must hand-deliver or mail to your last known address the deposit and a written statement itemizing any deductions.
Wait for the deadline: Within 14 days after you move out (if you told the landlord your move-out date), or 14 days after the landlord discovers you moved out or abandoned the unit, the landlord must hand-deliver or mail to your last known address the deposit and a written statement itemizing any deductions.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $10,000. Small claims court in Vermont on RobinClaim

Deposit return calculator for Vermont

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.

Security deposit demand letter for Vermont

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your full name (required)

Where should they send your money? (your mailing address) (required)

Phone

Landlord or property manager (required)

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

Landlord's address (required to mail it)

Address of the rental (required)

I will hand it to the landlord or email it (no mailing address needed)

Date of the letter

Usually today. The deadline in the letter counts from this date.

Date you moved in

Date you moved out (required)

Deposit you paid ($) (required)

Amount the landlord returned ($)

Did you get an itemized list of deductions?

Days the landlord has to pay

We suggest 14 days.

Why the deductions are wrong (optional, in English)

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

By downloading, you agree that we save the details you entered, as explained in our Privacy Policy.

Other formats

Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. The receipt is your proof that the landlord got it.

Security deposit in Vermont

Limit: No statewide limit.
Deadline to return it: Within 14 days after you move out (if you told the landlord your move-out date), or 14 days after the landlord discovers you moved out or abandoned the unit, the landlord must hand-deliver or mail to your last known address the deposit and a written statement itemizing any deductions. Seasonal rentals that are not a primary residence: 60 days. Give the landlord your forwarding address and move-out date in writing.
Itemized list: A written statement itemizing any deductions, sent with the deposit within 14 days. Receipts are not required by the law.
What may be deducted: Unpaid rent; damage to the landlord's property beyond normal wear and tear (and not caused by events beyond your control); unpaid utility or other charges you were required to pay to the landlord or a utility; and the cost of removing things you abandoned.
Interest: No statewide requirement. A town may adopt an ordinance requiring interest.
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: If the landlord misses the 14-day deadline, the landlord forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit. If the failure is willful, the landlord owes you double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees and costs.
Law: 9 V.S.A. 4461

Small claims court in Vermont

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $10,000.

How to file in Vermont

More for Vermont renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026