DisputeKit / Vermont
How long does a Vermont landlord have to return a security deposit?
14 days. Under 9 V.S.A. § 4461, a landlord must return the security deposit along with a written statement itemizing any deductions within 14 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. If they miss that deadline, they lose the right to keep any part of the deposit. A court may also award double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs, if the landlord's failure to return the deposit was willful.
I moved out of my place in on and my landlord still has my $ deposit.
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Conditions that change the deadline
- The 14 days run from the move-out date only if the tenant told the landlord that date; otherwise they run from the date the landlord discovers the tenant has vacated.
- For seasonal rentals that are not a primary residence, the landlord has 60 days.
What Vermont law says about deductions and your rights
- Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear (or not caused by the tenant), unpaid utility or other charges the tenant had to pay, and removing articles the tenant abandoned.
- The landlord must hand-deliver or mail the statement and any payment to the tenant's last known address.
- Some towns have local security deposit ordinances that add protections.
If the deadline has passed
Send a written demand letter. State the dates and amounts, the law and the deadline, and a date by which you expect payment. Keep proof that you sent it.
If they still don't pay, you can file in small claims court. The limit in Vermont is $10,000 (consumer credit and medical debt claims are capped at $5,000), and the filing fee is $65 for claims of $1,000 or less and $90 for larger claims.
Steps
- Find your move-out date and deposit amount
- Work out when the clock started: The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit
- Count 14 days from that date to find the deadline
- Send a written demand letter citing the law
- File in small claims court if unpaid
Common questions
When does the clock start in Vermont?
The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit.
What if I got part of my deposit back?
You can still ask for the rest. Your claim is the deposit minus what was returned and minus any deductions you agree were allowed.
Can I get more than my deposit back?
Possibly. Vermont law allows a court to award double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs, if the landlord's failure to return the deposit was willful. A judge decides; it is not guaranteed.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not usually. Small claims court in Vermont is designed for people without lawyers. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney.