Vermont Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Vermont security deposit demand letter that follows Vermont law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Vermont law says
| Deposit return deadline | Within 14 days from the date the landlord learns the tenant vacated (or from the move-out date if the tenant gave notice of it); 60 days for seasonal rentals not intended as a primary residence. Source: 9 V.S.A. 4461(c) |
|---|---|
| Itemized deductions | Required: written itemized statement of the reasons for any amount withheld, sent with any balance within 14 days. Source: 9 V.S.A. 4461(c) |
| Penalty for withholding | A landlord who fails to return the deposit and statement within 14 days forfeits the right to withhold any portion; if the failure is willful, the landlord is liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Source: 9 V.S.A. 4461(e) |
| Wear and tear / move-out charges | Not defined by statute. A landlord may keep all or part of the deposit only for nonpayment of rent; damage to the landlord's property unless it results from normal wear and tear or from actions or events beyond the tenant's control; unpaid utility or other charges the tenant was required to pay; and the cost of removing abandoned articles. The statute does not list cleaning or painting as a permitted deduction. The deposit must be returned with an itemized statement within 14 days after the landlord learns the tenant vacated. Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4461(b)-(c) |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under 9 V.S.A. 4461(c), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by 9 V.S.A. 4461(e).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.