Vermont Statewide Rule

Vermont Security Deposit Law (9 V.S.A. § 4461)

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Vermont (2026)

Key Facts

Deposit cap: No statutory cap
Return deadline: 14 days after tenant vacates (60 days for seasonal rentals)
Itemized statement: Required; written statement itemizing all deductions
Statute: 9 V.S.A. § 4461
Penalty: Forfeits right to withhold; double damages plus fees if willful

Last verified: August 20, 2026

Summary

Vermont sets no statutory cap on residential security deposits. A landlord must return the deposit with a written statement itemizing any deductions within 14 days after the tenant vacates. Missing that deadline forfeits the right to withhold any portion, and a willful violation exposes the landlord to double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees.

A landlord shall return the security deposit along with a written statement itemizing any deductions to a tenant within 14 days from the date on which the landlord discovers that the tenant vacated or abandoned the dwelling unit or the date the tenant vacated the dwelling unit, provided the landlord received notice from the tenant of that date. In the case of the seasonal occupancy and rental of a dwelling unit not intended as a primary residence, the security deposit and written statement shall be returned within 60 days.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Vermont law places no dollar or month-based ceiling on the security deposit a landlord may collect. Under 9 V.S.A. § 4461(c), a landlord "shall return the security deposit along with a written statement itemizing any deductions to a tenant within 14 days from the date on which the landlord discovers that the tenant vacated or abandoned the dwelling unit or the date the tenant vacated." For seasonal rentals not used as a primary residence, the window is 60 days. A landlord may retain the deposit only for nonpayment of rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utility or other charges owed to the landlord, and the cost of removing articles the tenant abandoned. The statement and any refund may be hand-delivered or mailed to the tenant's last known address.

Violations & Penalties

Under 9 V.S.A. § 4461(e), a landlord who fails to return the deposit with a statement within 14 days "forfeits the right to withhold any portion of the security deposit." A willful violation makes the landlord liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Vermont?

There is no statutory limit. Vermont's security deposit statute, 9 V.S.A. § 4461, sets no maximum amount, so the deposit is set by the lease. Many landlords charge one to two months' rent, but no state cap applies.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Vermont?

14 days. Under 9 V.S.A. § 4461(c), the landlord must return the deposit with a written itemized statement of deductions within 14 days after the tenant vacates or the landlord discovers the unit was vacated. Seasonal rentals get 60 days. Missing the deadline forfeits the right to withhold any of the deposit.

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Vermont?

Under 9 V.S.A. § 4461(b), a landlord may deduct for nonpayment of rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utility or other charges owed to the landlord, and the cost of removing articles the tenant abandoned. Normal wear and tear may not be charged.

Sources

9 V.S.A. § 4461 (Security deposits)

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.