Security Deposit Not Returned in Vermont: What Can I Do?
This page covers what your landlord may take out of a security deposit. It also covers when the deposit and a written list of what was kept are due, and what you can do if they are late.
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A security deposit is any advance, deposit, or prepaid rent, however named, that is to be given back to you when your rental ends. It exists to secure your duty to pay rent and to keep up the home.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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Your landlord may keep all or part of your security deposit for 4 reasons. First, unpaid rent. Second, damage to the landlord's property. Damage from normal wear and tear (normal use over time) does not count. Neither does damage from actions or events beyond your control. Third, unpaid utilities (such as water or electric) or other charges you had to pay directly to the landlord or to a utility. Fourth, the cost of removing things you abandoned (left behind).
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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Your landlord may not keep deposit money for damage that is normal wear and tear (wear from reasonable use). That wear has no negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse by you, your household, or guests. Your landlord also may not keep money for damage caused by events beyond your control.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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Your landlord must return your security deposit with a written list of any money kept. The deadline is 14 days. The 14 days start on the day your landlord discovers you moved out or left the home. They start on the day you moved out if your landlord got notice from you of that date. For a seasonal rental that is not meant as a main home, the deadline is 60 days.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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Some rentals are seasonal and not meant as a primary residence. For those, your landlord has 60 days to return the security deposit with the written list of money kept.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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Your landlord must hand-deliver or mail the written statement and any payment to your last known address.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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When you move out, give your landlord your new address in writing and keep a copy.
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Your landlord may fail to return the deposit with a written statement within 14 days. Then your landlord loses the right to keep any part of the deposit.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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If the deadline passes, write to your landlord. Say the date you moved out, say the deadline has passed, and ask for your deposit. Keep a copy of the letter.
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If your landlord does not return your deposit and the written statement within 14 days, the landlord loses the right to keep any of it. If the failure is willful (done on purpose), your landlord must pay double the amount wrongfully withheld (kept without a legal right). Your landlord must also pay reasonable attorney's fees and costs. For example, if $300 was kept without a legal right, double is $600. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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When a landlord's interest in a rental home ends, the security deposit must go to the new landlord. The new landlord must give the tenant actual notice of the new landlord's name and address. The notice must say the deposit was transferred. Actual notice means written notice hand-delivered or mailed to the last known address.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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A Vermont town may adopt its own local law about security deposits. The local law must add to the state deposit protections. It must not conflict with them.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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A Vermont rental agreement cannot include a term that tries to get around the duties in Vermont's rental chapter. The same goes for what it lets you do about them. A court will not enforce such a term.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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