Required Disclosures for Vermont Residential Landlords
Learn about Vermont disclosures, including the mandatory flood hazard form under 9 V.S.A. § 4466, owner identity (§ 4454), and lead paint policies.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Since Vermont's admission to the Union on March 4, 1791, the state has developed a robust framework for property rights, now primarily governed by the Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137), which became effective on July 1, 1986. Vermont law requires landlords to provide several key disclosures to tenants and prohibits the waiver of statutory rights. Most notably, as of June 17, 2024, landlords must provide a mandatory flood hazard disclosure under 9 V.S.A. § 4466 using a state-prescribed model form. Additionally, 9 V.S.A. § 4454 ensures that rental agreements cannot contain provisions that attempt to circumvent the obligations and remedies established by state law.
The § 4466 Flood Hazard Disclosure
Effective as of June 17, 2024, Vermont law requires landlords to disclose in writing, at or before the execution of the lease, whether any portion of the rental premises is located in a FEMA-mapped special flood hazard area. This disclosure must be provided in a separate document substantially in the form prescribed by the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Required Disclosure Items
-
Non-Circumvention of Rights (9 V.S.A. § 4454): No rental agreement shall contain any provision that attempts to circumvent or circumvents obligations and remedies established by the Residential Rental Agreements Act. Any such provision is legally unenforceable and void. Vermont law does not contain a general statutory requirement for landlords to disclose their identity at the start of all tenancies, though specific notice requirements apply to new owners and lead-safe housing.
-
Lead Paint Disclosure (18 V.S.A. § 1759 & 42 U.S.C. § 4852d): For "target housing" constructed prior to 1978, the landlord must provide:
- The federal EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home."
- A statement disclosing any known lead-based paint or lead hazards.
- A signed Lead Warning Statement.
- A copy of the most recent RRPM (Renovation, Repair, Painting and Maintenance) compliance statement (formerly known as EMP).
- Additionally, landlords must post a notice in a prominent place in the building that includes the name, address, and telephone number of the owner or the owner's agent.
-
Flood Hazard Area (9 V.S.A. § 4466): If any portion of the property is in a FEMA-mapped special flood hazard area, the landlord must provide the state-approved model disclosure form as a separate document before the lease is signed.
-
Application Fees Prohibited (9 V.S.A. § 4456a): A landlord or a landlord's agent shall not charge an application fee to any individual in order to apply to enter into a rental agreement for a residential dwelling unit.
-
New Owner Identity (9 V.S.A. § 4461(f)): If a rental property is transferred to a new owner, the new landlord must provide the tenant with actual notice of the new landlord's name and address, along with a statement regarding the transfer of the security deposit.
-
Utilities and Rent: While not explicitly mandated as a separate disclosure form, the rental agreement must clearly state which utilities are included in the rent and which are the responsibility of the tenant to avoid disputes over the warranty of habitability under 9 V.S.A. § 4457.
Consequences of Non-Disclosure
Failure to provide the required statutory disclosures can have significant legal consequences:
- A tenant may use the landlord's failure to disclose as a defense in an eviction proceeding.
- The landlord may be liable for damages, court costs, and the tenant's attorney's fees.
- In lead paint cases, landlords can face additional federal penalties and personal liability for childhood lead poisoning injuries.
Automate Vermont Disclosures
Vermont's disclosure landscape requires tracking multiple statutes, from non-circumvention rules under § 4454 to the specific flood hazard model form under § 4466. Landager automatically generates a compliant disclosure package, pre-populating owner data, lead paint status based on construction year, and flagging properties in FEMA zones to trigger the § 4466 form automatically.
How Landager Helps
Managing properties in Vermont requires staying on top of strict 14-day deposit returns and 60-day rent increase notices. Landager automates your compliance workflows, tracks every deadline, and generates legal notices that protect your business. Get started with Landager for free today.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What disclosures must Vermont landlords provide to tenants?
Vermont landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the time of lease signing. Common required disclosures include lead-based paint hazards (for pre-1978 buildings, a federal requirement), the identity of the landlord or property manager, and any known material defects in the property. Additional state-specific disclosures may include flood risk, mold hazards, and environmental conditions.
▶What are the Vermont landlord-tenant laws every property owner should know?
Vermont's residential rental market is governed primarily by 9 V.S.A. Chapter 137 (the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act). The Green Mountain State provides a balanced framework that protects tenants with strict anti-retaliation provisions and a mandatory disclosure form, while providing landlords with a clear, structured eviction process through the Vermont Superior Court. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the Vermont eviction process and how long does it take?
The Vermont eviction process requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before filing a court action. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction — typically shorter for non-payment of rent and longer for lease violations or no-fault terminations. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Vermont. The full court process varies but typically takes several weeks.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Vermont security deposit rules and return deadlines?
Vermont has specific rules governing how much landlords can charge for security deposits, how deposits must be held, and the deadline for returning deposits after a tenant moves out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of any deductions made from the deposit. Failure to comply with deposit return deadlines can result in penalties and the forfeiture of the landlord's right to claim deductions.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Vermont rent increase laws and caps for landlords?
Vermont has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be increased unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide proper written notice before an increase takes effect. Check whether Vermont has any local rent control ordinances that may impose additional caps or requirements.
Read the complete guide▶What is the grace period for late rent in Vermont?
Vermont has specific rules regarding grace periods for late rent and the amount that can be charged as a late fee. Late fee provisions must be stated in the lease agreement, and fees must be reasonable. Check Vermont state law and any applicable local ordinances for the exact grace period and late fee limits that apply to your rental property.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Vermont lease requirements for rental properties?
Vermont recognizes both written and oral leases, though written leases are strongly recommended for terms longer than one year. Lease agreements should include the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding entry, pets, and subletting. Certain lease clauses that waive tenant statutory rights may be void and unenforceable under Vermont law.
Read the complete guide▶What are Vermont landlord maintenance obligations and habitability standards?
Vermont landlords must maintain rental properties in a condition that is fit for habitation and complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes maintaining structural integrity, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and pest control. Tenants typically have the right to request repairs in writing, and if repairs are not made within a reasonable time, tenants may have legal remedies available.
Read the complete guide📬 Get notified when these laws change
We'll email you when landlord-tenant laws update in No spam — only law changes.
