Most Commonly Used Vermont Lease Agreements
The most commonly used Vermont lease agreements are a standard residential lease, a month-to-month lease, a lease with an option to buy, a roommate agreement, a sublease agreement, and a commercial lease.
While the most commonly used Vermont lease agreements use the same elements, they do have notable differences. Here are a couple of examples.
- A roommate agreement explains which areas of the rental are for the sole use of the roommate and also explains which areas may be used by any of the residents.
- A standard residential lease agreement is generally written for a term of one year. When that year ends, it may automatically renew for another year or it may convert to a month-to-month lease. Both a month-to-month lease and a standard residential lease share many similarities, including the requirement of a 30-day written notice to move out if either party does not plan to renew the lease agreement when it ends.
How to Write a Vermont Lease Agreement
Vermont lease agreements must adhere to Vermont’s landlord-tenant laws or they are unenforceable. There are several other laws that must also be considered. You’ll learn about some of those under the sections related to disclosures and security deposits.
Before you sign a Vermont lease agreement, make sure you read the terms. You also have the right to have an attorney review aVermont lease agreement before you sign it.
A Vermont lease agreement needs:
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Names of the Parties - This is the landlord’s full name or the property management company’s legal business name and the legal name of the tenant(s).
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Property Address - This is the street address for the rental property, including the city, zip code, and, if applicable, the lot or unit number.
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Term Information - This is the type of lease agreement the parties agree to enter into. For example, a month-to-month lease or a fixed term. A fixed-term lease means that the parties agree that the tenant will hold possession of the space for a certain amount of time, usually one year. If it is a fixed lease, this section should include the date that the lease will end.
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Rental Amount - This section includes the date that the lease will begin, the amount of the monthly rent, the day of the month that rent is due, and the address where the rent may be paid.
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Late Fee - This section documents the amount of the fee that is due if the rent is not paid by a certain date.
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Security Deposit - This is the amount of money that must be paid in advance of the tenant taking control of the property. A security deposit is used to repair damages caused by the tenant.
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Initial Payment - This is the total amount of money that the tenant must pay to move into the rental property or unit. This should include the amount of the first month’s rent, the security deposit, and the total of the two numbers added together.
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Occupants - This section includes the full name of each tenant even if they are a minor or nor signing the lease. This part of a Vermont residential lease agreement establishes who will reside in the residential unit. For commercial space leases, it designates those who have permission to use the space. If the presence of additional change in the price of the rent, it should be included in the section.
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Utilities - This section explains which utilities or services a tenant does not pay.
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Parking - This section informs the tenant if they will receive a parking space. If a parking space is reserved and there is a designated spot, the spot should be listed in this section.
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Furnishings - This section tells tenants what they are allowed to install (such as a washing machine or dishwasher) or what they may not install. If the tenant is not allowed to bring their own appliances, that should be designated in this section.
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Notices - This section documents the names of the landlord or property manager and tenant with their full mailing address. This contact information is used if the parties need to send out a notice to the other party.
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Eviction - This informs tenants how eviction would be carried out in the event of nonpayment or breach of other lease terms.
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Additional Terms - This section lists any other terms that the parties agreed to that haven’t been included in any other section of the lease agreement.
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Signature and Date - The document should be signed and dated by all parties.
Which Disclosures Belong in a Vermont Lease Agreement?
Under Vermont law, a landlord must give the tenant 48 hours notice before entering the property and may only enter the property between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm.
Under federal law, a Vermont landlord a residential rental agreement must include a lead based paint disclosure if the residential unit was built before 1978.
What You Need to Know About Vermont Lease Agreement Deposits
There is no law that limits the amount that a landlord may charge as a security deposit. The landlord must return the security deposit no more than 14 days after the tenant has vacated or abandoned the property. If the residence is seasonal, the landlord has 60 days to return the deposit.
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