Vermont Repair & Habitability Laws

Vermont landlords must maintain rental units in a safe and habitable condition under Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 9, § 4457[confirmed ].

Key Rules

Repair And Deduct
Not expressly authorized by Vermont statute
Rent Withholding
Tenant may pay rent into court escrow pending necessary repairs (rent escrow remedy)
Notice Required
Written notice to landlord required before exercising remedies
Habitability Standards
Structural safety, weatherproofing, heating, plumbing, electrical, clean conditions

Applicable Statutes

Source confirmed . Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 9, § 4457

Landlord's obligations: must maintain premises in a clean and structurally safe condition, maintain all services and facilities in good working order, and comply with applicable housing codes.

Source confirmed · Official state source

View archived excerpt
“…enience. Title 9 : Commerce and Trade Chapter 137 : Residential Rental Agreements Subchapter 002 : RESIDENTIAL RENTAL AGREEMENTS (Cite as: 9 V.S.A. § 4457) § 4457. Landlord obligations; habitability (a) Warranty of habitability. In any residential rental agreement, the landlord shall be deemed to covena…”

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 9, § 4458

Tenant's remedies: if landlord fails to make required repairs after notice, tenant may terminate or pursue rent escrow.

Source confirmed · Official state source

View archived excerpt
“…enience. Title 9 : Commerce and Trade Chapter 137 : Residential Rental Agreements Subchapter 002 : RESIDENTIAL RENTAL AGREEMENTS (Cite as: 9 V.S.A. § 4458) § 4458. Habitability; tenant remedies (a) If the landlord fails to comply with the landlord’s obligations for habitability and, after receiving actu…”

Legal Aid Resources

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