Lease Snipe

Vermont Deposit Return Deadline

14 days (60 for seasonal rentals)

Under Vermont law, a landlord generally has 14 days (60 for seasonal rentals) after move-out to act on your security deposit — 14 days, or 60 days for seasonal rentals. The FAQ below covers the details.

Educational information: generated from our Vermont law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.

How Vermont compares

51 of 51 US jurisdictions set a statutory deadline for returning security deposits. Here is how Vermont compares with other states in our database.

StateDeposit Return Deadline
Vermont14 days (60 for seasonal rentals)
Virginia45–60 days
Washington30 days
West Virginia60 days
Wisconsin21 days

Frequently asked questions

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Vermont?
Generally 14 days (60 for seasonal rentals) after move-out. No statewide limit (Burlington and Brattleboro limit to 1 month). Return within 14 days (60 days for seasonal rentals). Failure to return in 14 days: forfeit right to withhold. Willful failure: 2x amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees.
Can a Vermont landlord keep my deposit for damages?
Landlords may generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, but must account for deductions. Deductions for ordinary wear and tear are not allowed.
What if my Vermont landlord misses the deposit return deadline?
Missing the statutory deadline (14 days (60 for seasonal rentals)) can expose the landlord to statutory penalties. No statewide limit (Burlington and Brattleboro limit to 1 month). Return within 14 days (60 days for seasonal rentals). Failure to return in 14 days: forfeit right to withhold. Willful failure: 2x amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees.

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More Vermont lease law guides

Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Vermont for your specific situation.