Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Vermont

Vermont: return the deposit within 14 calendar days of the day the tenant vacated. Seasonal occupancy of a unit not intended as a primary residence: 60 days. Interest: no. Penalty if the violation is willful or intentional: 2x the amount withheld. (9 V.S.A. 4461)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 14 calendar days after the day the tenant vacated.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, damage beyond wear, unpaid utilities, moving and storage. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: 2x the amount withheld if the violation is willful or intentional.

The rule text

A landlord shall return the security deposit along with a written statement itemizing any deductions to a tenant within 14 days from the date on which the landlord discovers that the tenant vacated or abandoned the dwelling unit or the date the tenant vacated the dwelling unit, provided the landlord received notice from the tenant of that date.

9 V.S.A. 4461(c). Source: 9 V.S.A. 4461 Security deposits, read 2026-10-09.

Notes on this rule (2)

Damage from events beyond the tenant's control is excluded as well as normal wear (4461(b)(2)).
Municipal ordinances (e.g. Burlington) may add interest and other rules.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 14, 2026
14 calendar days after the day the tenant vacated.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $500.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: 9 V.S.A. 4461 (Vermont)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $500.00
Return by                                   October 14, 2026

Notes:
- Itemized under 9 V.S.A. 4461.

Settle a deposit in Vermont

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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