Vermont Implied Warranty of Habitability (9 V.S.A. §§ 4457–4459)

Under 9 V.S.A. § 4457(a), the landlord "shall covenant and warrant to deliver over and maintain, throughout the period of the tenancy, premises that are safe, clean, and fit for human habitation and that comply with the requirements of applicable building, housing, and health regulations." The landlord must also supply adequate heat and water connected to hot and cold lines. Any waiver of this warranty is void as against public policy. If the landlord fails to comply after notice, § 4458 lets the tenant withhold rent for the period of noncompliance, obtain injunctive relief, recover damages, costs, and attorney's fees, or terminate on reasonable notice. Section 4459 permits repair-and-deduct up to one-half of one month's rent for minor defects unrepaired 30 days after notice.

No fixed statutory fine. After notice and a failure to repair, a tenant may withhold rent for the period of noncompliance, repair and deduct up to one-half month's rent, recover damages, costs and attorney's fees, seek injunctive relief, or terminate the agreement (§§ 4458–4459).