Vermont does not have statewide rent control in 2025. This means landlords can generally raise rent by any amount, and there is no legal maximum or cap on rent increases.
While there have been legislative efforts to introduce caps (such as House Bill 135), none have passed, so the market largely determines rent levels.
Notice Requirements
- Standard Leases: Landlords must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before a rent increase can take effect.
- Tenants at Will: For tenants without a fixed-term lease, the required notice period is 90 days.
- Burlington Exception: In Burlington, the notice period is also 90 days.
- Written Notice: All rent increase notices must be in writing and either mailed or hand-delivered. Verbal notices are not valid.
Frequency and Amount of Rent Increases
- No Limit on Frequency: Vermont law does not restrict how often rent can be increased, provided proper notice is given.
- No Cap on Amount: There is no legal maximum for how much rent can be raised at one time.
Protections Against Unfair Increases
- Retaliation and Discrimination: Landlords may not raise rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising their legal rights, nor may they discriminate based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, gender, or disability.
- Mediation Option: If a rent increase exceeds the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1%, tenants may request mediation to contest the increase.
What Tenants Should Do
- Review Lease Agreements: Check your lease for any terms about rent increases.
- Request Written Notice: Ensure any rent increase notice is in writing and meets the legal notice period.
- Seek Mediation or Legal Help: If you believe a rent increase is excessive, retaliatory, or discriminatory, you can seek mediation or contact local legal aid organizations for support.
Key Takeaways
| Rule/Requirement | Statewide Law (2025) |
|---|---|
| Rent control/cap | None |
| Notice period (most leases) | 60 days (written) |
| Notice period (at-will) | 90 days (written) |
| Maximum increase | No limit |
| Frequency of increases | No limit |
| Mediation option | Yes, if increase > CPI + 1% |
| Retaliation/discrimination | Prohibited |
Vermont tenants should stay informed, review all notices carefully, and know their rights to ensure fair treatment in the rental market.
Sources:
- https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-12-17/a-wild-imbalance-lawmakers-unlikely-to-tackle-tenant-law-in-2025
- https://www.cvoeo.org/your-rights-and-responsibilities
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-vermont
- https://www.vtlawhelp.org/rent-increases
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-vermont