By Are you a landlord in Vermont?
Looking for a comprehensive guide to your Vermont residential lease agreement? Look no further! We’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll provide you with all the essential information you need to navigate the rental landscape in the Green Mountain State.
From required disclosures to rent and fees, security deposits, entry, and tenant screening, you’ll find everything you need.
Stay informed, make informed decisions, and ensure a smooth leasing process.
Required Disclosures and Fair Housing Protections
As a landlord in Vermont, you’re required to make certain disclosures and ensure fair housing protections for your tenants. When entering into a Vermont lease agreement, it’s important to disclose information about lead-based paint hazards if your property was built before 1978. You must distribute an EPA-approved information pamphlet and disclose any known lead hazards. This is crucial to protect your tenants’ health and comply with state regulations.
Additionally, it’s essential to be aware of fair housing protections. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, familial status, and disability. In Vermont, state law extends these protections to include sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, source of income, and status as a victim of domestic violence. Ensuring fair housing practices isn’t only a legal requirement but also promotes a diverse and inclusive community.
Rent and Fees
When it comes to rent and fees in Vermont, you’ll want to establish a clear agreement with your tenants. Rent is due as agreed upon in the lease, and landlords must give at least 60 days notice for rent increases.
Vermont doesn’t have any statutory limits on late fees, so you have the flexibility to set your own charges. However, there’s no mandatory grace period in Vermont, so tenants aren’t entitled to a specific number of days before late fees are applied.
Additionally, application fees are prohibited in Vermont, so you can’t charge potential tenants for applying to rent your property.
Security Deposits
To secure your rental property in Vermont, landlords are required to collect a security deposit from tenants. There’s no limit on the amount of the security deposit, but landlords aren’t required to pay interest on it, unless specified by a town or municipality ordinance.
When the tenancy ends, landlords must return the security deposit within 14 days. They aren’t required to keep the deposit in a separate bank account. However, landlords have the right to withhold funds from the security deposit for unpaid rent, damages, and expenses required to remove abandoned belongings.
It’s important to follow these regulations to protect your property and ensure a smooth rental process.
Entry and Tenant Screening
As a landlord in Vermont, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations regarding entry into the rental unit and conducting tenant screenings.
To ensure a smooth rental process, you must provide a notice of entry to your tenant at least 48 hours in advance and restrict your entry between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. This allows your tenant to have privacy and maintain their personal space.
When it comes to tenant screening, you have the right to conduct criminal background checks, but it’s crucial to follow the fair use recommendations outlined by HUD.
Additionally, if you plan to obtain credit reports, make sure to comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Conclusion
So, whether you’re a seasoned landlord or just starting out, our comprehensive guide to a lease agreement Vermont has all the essential information you need.
From required disclosures to fair housing protections, rent and fees, security deposits, entry and tenant screening, we’ve got you covered.
Stay informed, make informed decisions, and ensure a smooth leasing process.