- Vermont does not have statewide rent control. There is no legal cap on how much a landlord can raise rent for most residential properties. Landlords are free to set rent increases according to market conditions, but increases must be reasonable and not retaliatory or discriminatory.
Notice Requirements
- Statewide: Landlords must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect for most rental agreements.
- Burlington: Due to a local rent control ordinance, landlords must provide at least 90 days’ written notice before increasing rent.
- Tenants at Will: For tenants without a fixed-term lease, a 90-day notice is typically required.
Notice must be in writing (hand-delivered or mailed), and verbal notice is not valid. The notice should clearly state the new rent amount and the date it will take effect.
Frequency and Timing of Rent Increases
- No state law limits how often rent can be increased. Landlords may raise rent as frequently as they wish, provided they give proper notice each time.
- During a Lease: Rent cannot be increased during the term of a fixed lease unless the lease specifically allows it. For example, in a 12-month lease, the rent is locked in for the duration unless otherwise stated in the lease agreement.
Amount of Rent Increase
- No Maximum Statewide: There is no maximum percentage or dollar amount by which rent can be increased statewide.
- Burlington: Rent increases are capped and tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) under the city’s ordinance. For example, if the CPI is 2%, the maximum allowable increase is 2% for that year. Burlington also prohibits multiple increases per year and requires just cause for eviction.
- Mobile Home Parks: For lot rents in mobile home parks, increases above a mediation threshold (5.4% for 2025) can be disputed by tenants, but this is not a hard cap.
Challenging Unreasonable Increases
- Tenants can challenge rent increases that are excessive, retaliatory, or not justified by market conditions. Factors considered may include the condition of the unit, local market rates, and recent repairs or improvements.
- Legal Aid: Tenants may seek help from local legal aid organizations if they believe a rent increase is unfair or violates their rights.
Key Points for Tenants
- Review your lease: Lease terms govern when and how rent can be increased during the lease period.
- Know your notice rights: Always insist on proper written notice before any rent increase.
- Check local ordinances: Burlington and some mobile home parks have additional protections and limits.
- Seek help if needed: If you believe a rent increase is unfair or retaliatory, contact tenant support organizations or legal aid.
Table
| Area/Type | Notice Required | Max Increase | Frequency Limit | Special Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 60 days | None | None | Must be reasonable, not retaliatory |
| Burlington | 90 days | CPI-based | Once/year | Rent control ordinance applies |
| Tenants at Will | 90 days | None | None | |
| Mobile Home Parks | 60 days | None (5.4%+ can be disputed) | None | Mediation for increases above 5.4% |
Most Vermont tenants can face rent increases of any amount as long as they receive proper written notice (60 days, or 90 days in Burlington). Burlington tenants have added protections with capped increases. Always review your lease and seek help if you believe an increase is unfair.
Sources
- https://www.hemlane.com/resources/vermont-rent-control-laws/
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/mid-term-rental-laws-regulations-vermont
- https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-12-17/a-wild-imbalance-lawmakers-unlikely-to-tackle-tenant-law-in-2025
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-vermont
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-vermont