Ordinary return / itemization14 days
Under the current statewide statute.
Seasonal non-primary rental60 days
Special rule for qualifying seasonal occupancy.
Normal wearNot deductible
Express statutory protection.
Willful late withholdingDouble wrongfully withheld
Plus reasonable attorney fees and costs under subsection (e).
What to preserve
- Lease and deposit receipt.
- Date the tenant vacated and any notice of that date.
- Written deduction statement.
- Refund payment and mailing/delivery evidence.
- Move-in/move-out photos.
- City/town ordinance if local deposit rules apply.
Do not use failed 2026 proposals as current law
H.772 proposed major changes, including a statewide deposit cap, but the bill failed in the Senate on May 27, 2026. This guide uses the current § 4461 instead.
Use current § 4461, not failed 2026 proposals. Also check any supplemental municipal ordinance. Educational information only.
Official sources
Vermont Legislature9 V.S.A. § 4461 — Security deposits ↗
Current Vermont statute covering allowable deductions, 14-day return/itemization, seasonal rentals, remedies, transfers and municipal supplemental ordinances.
Vermont LegislatureH.772 (2026) — bill status ↗Official status page showing the 2026 proposal that would have changed the deposit framework failed in the Senate on May 27, 2026 and did not become current law.