Last updated: April 2026
South Burlington renters are protected by Vermont's landlord-tenant statute (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137), which requires 60 days' notice for landlord terminations, a 14-day deposit return window, and strong habitability rights. The city sits adjacent to Burlington, which has enacted Good Cause Eviction protections that do not extend to South Burlington.
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South Burlington is a city in Chittenden County immediately south of Burlington, Vermont's largest city. Its rental market is active and competitive, benefiting from proximity to Burlington, the University of Vermont medical center, and major employers. Tenant rights in South Burlington are governed by Vermont's residential landlord-tenant statute (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137). Importantly, Burlington's Good Cause Eviction ordinance applies only within Burlington's city limits and does not extend to South Burlington. Vermont has no statewide rent control, and South Burlington has not enacted local rent regulation.
Vermont has no statewide rent control, and South Burlington has no local rent regulation ordinance. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper advance written notice. Because Vermont requires landlords to give 60 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy, significant rent increases also effectively require equivalent notice to take effect on a new tenancy. Note that neighboring Burlington has enacted Good Cause Eviction protections — but these apply only within Burlington's city limits and do not cover South Burlington rentals.
Vermont's 9 V.S.A. Chapter 137 gives South Burlington renters strong statewide protections. Landlords must return security deposits within 14 days of move-out with an itemized written statement (9 V.S.A. § 4461). Month-to-month landlords must give at least 60 days' written notice to terminate the tenancy; tenants need only give 30 days (9 V.S.A. § 4467). Vermont's implied warranty of habitability (9 V.S.A. § 4457) requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions, and tenants may withhold rent or seek court remedies for serious violations. The anti-retaliation statute (9 V.S.A. § 4465) prohibits landlord retaliation for tenant complaints or legal action. Self-help eviction is prohibited; landlords must obtain a court judgment before removing a tenant (9 V.S.A. § 4463).
Vermont places no cap on security deposit amounts by statute, so your lease governs the amount collected. Under 9 V.S.A. § 4461, your landlord must return the full deposit within 14 days after you vacate, along with a written itemized statement of deductions. This is one of the shortest return windows in the country. Deductions may cover only unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Failure to comply entitles you to actual damages. Document the unit thoroughly at move-in and move-out, and ask your landlord to sign a move-in condition checklist. The Champlain Housing Trust may also offer guidance on tenant rights in Chittenden County.
Vermont landlords must provide written notice and obtain a court judgment before removing any tenant (9 V.S.A. § 4463). For nonpayment of rent, landlords typically must give 14 days' written notice. For month-to-month terminations, 60 days' notice is required. After the notice period, the landlord must file for eviction in Vermont Superior Court. No removal may occur without a court order. Self-help eviction — changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities — is prohibited. If you receive an eviction notice in South Burlington, contact Vermont Legal Aid immediately.
If you need help with a landlord-tenant issue in South Burlington, the following resources can assist:
No. South Burlington has no rent control ordinance, and Vermont has no statewide rent control. Note that neighboring Burlington has Good Cause Eviction protections, but those apply only within Burlington's city limits — not South Burlington.
There is no cap on rent increases in Vermont or South Burlington. For month-to-month tenants, landlords must give at least 60 days' written notice before terminating the tenancy or implementing a significant rent increase on a new tenancy. Fixed-term lease rents are locked in until the lease expires.
Vermont landlords must return your deposit within 14 days of move-out with a written itemized statement of deductions under 9 V.S.A. § 4461. This 14-day window is one of the shortest in the country. Failure to comply entitles you to actual damages.
For nonpayment of rent, landlords typically must give 14 days' written notice. For month-to-month terminations, 60 days' written notice is required under 9 V.S.A. § 4467. The landlord must then obtain a court judgment — no removal is allowed without a court order.
No. Self-help eviction is prohibited in Vermont (9 V.S.A. § 4463). A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities without a court order. If this occurs, document it and contact Vermont Legal Aid immediately.
Vermont's implied warranty of habitability (9 V.S.A. § 4457) requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions. Put your repair request in writing and keep a copy. If your landlord does not act, contact South Burlington code enforcement. Vermont Legal Aid can advise on remedies including rent withholding for serious habitability failures.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change; verify current statutes and consult a licensed attorney or legal aid organization for advice specific to your situation.
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