In 2025, tenants in Vermont should be aware of the following key points regarding rent increase laws:
General Overview
- No Statewide Rent Control: Vermont does not have statewide rent control laws that limit how much landlords can increase rent. This means landlords have the flexibility to raise rents as they see fit, provided they follow the appropriate procedures.
Notice Requirements
- Written Notice: Landlords must provide tenants with a written notice at least 60 days before any rent increase takes effect. This notice must specify the amount of the increase and the effective date.
- Tenants at Will: For tenants without a fixed-term lease (month-to-month), a 90-day notice is typically required for any rent increase.
Frequency and Justification of Increases
- No Limits on Frequency: There are no legal limits on how often landlords can raise rent. They can increase rent at the end of a lease term or as specified in the lease agreement.
- Justification for Increases: While there is no cap on the percentage of rent increases, landlords should justify increases based on factors such as market conditions and their costs. Significant increases without reasonable justification may be challenged by tenants.
Local Ordinances
- Municipal Regulations: Some municipalities, like Burlington, have implemented their own regulations regarding rent increases. For example, Burlington has introduced measures to cap annual rent increases, providing stronger protections for tenants compared to state law.
Tenant Protections
- Tenants have the right to challenge unreasonable rent increases. Factors such as market rates, property conditions, and previous rental amounts can be considered in evaluating whether an increase is fair.
Conclusion
In summary, while Vermont’s laws allow landlords considerable flexibility in raising rents, tenants are protected by notice requirements and have avenues to contest excessive increases. It is advisable for tenants to stay informed about both state and local regulations that may affect their rental agreements in 2025.
Sources
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-vermont
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-vermont
- https://www.hemlane.com/resources/vermont-rent-control-laws/
