Vermont lease nonrenewal: 30 days for a tenancy of two years or less, 60 days beyond that
When a Vermont written rental agreement reaches the end of its stated term, a landlord ending the tenancy for no cause must give notice at least 30 days before the end if the tenancy has continued two years or less, and at least 60 days before the end if it has continued longer (9 V.S.A. 4467(e)). The notice must state the termination date.
What does 9 V.S.A. section 4467(e) say?
Section 4467 is titled Termination of tenancy; notice. Subsection (e) is about a written rental agreement and ending the tenancy for no cause at the end of the stated term. The notice has to come at least 30 days before the end or expiration of the term if the tenancy has continued for two years or less, and at least 60 days before if it has continued for more than two years. A written week-to-week agreement needs only seven days. Subsection (f) adds that in all cases the termination date must be stated specifically in the notice.
Notice here is called actual notice in the neighboring subsections, so plan on a delivery you can prove, not a note left somewhere the tenant might find it.
Which clock applies to my tenant?
The test is how long the tenancy has continued, not how long the current lease is. A tenant who has signed three one-year leases in a row has a tenancy of three years, so the 60 day rule applies to the third lease's end.
| Tenancy so far | Notice before the term ends |
|---|---|
| Two years or less | At least 30 days |
| More than two years | At least 60 days |
| Written week-to-week agreement | At least seven days |
Example a made-up lease on a Burlington apartment ends September 30 after a tenancy of 18 months. Thirty days before is August 31. If the same tenant had lived there three years, the date moves to August 1.
What if there is no written lease?
Subsection (c) covers a tenancy with no written rental agreement. With rent payable monthly, notice must set a termination date at least 60 days away for a tenant who has lived there continuously two years or less, and at least 90 days away for one who has lived there more than two years. With weekly rent it is at least 21 days. These longer periods are a good reason to put every tenancy in writing.
What other notice periods does section 4467 list?
- Nonpayment of rent: actual notice of a termination date at least 14 days away; paying the rent due through the period stops it.
- Breach of a material term or of obligations under the chapter: at least 30 days before the termination date.
- Criminal activity, illegal drug activity or acts of violence that threaten others' health or safety: at least 14 days.
- Sale of the building, with no written agreement: at least 30 days.
These cover endings for a reason during or at the end of a term. The no-cause notice in subsection (e) is only for the end of the stated term.
What should the notice say and when should it go out?
- Check the date the tenancy began, not the date of the current lease.
- Count back 30 or 60 days from the end of the term.
- State the exact termination date, as subsection (f) requires.
- Deliver it in a way that proves the date the tenant received it.
- File the notice and proof with the lease.
How DoorKeeping handles Vermont lease ends
DoorKeeping keeps the move-in date and the current lease end date together for each tenant, so the 30 versus 60 day question is answered from the record. After your one-tap approval it emails the notice and files the copy with the unit's documents. Rent and payments stay in your own bank accounts. This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current statute or ask a Vermont attorney first.
Sources
Questions
- How much notice does a Vermont landlord give at the end of a written lease?
- At least 30 days before the term ends if the tenancy has lasted two years or less, and at least 60 days if it has lasted longer.
- Does the Vermont notice need an exact date?
- Yes. Section 4467(f) says the termination date must be specifically stated in the notice.
- What is the rule with no written lease in Vermont?
- For monthly rent, at least 60 days' notice for a tenant of two years or less, and 90 days for a longer tenant.