Housing assistance in Vermont

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Vermont

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Vermont

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No statewide cap on the amount. A deposit may be kept only for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utility or other required charges, and the cost of removing abandoned items. Towns may adopt ordinances that add to these minimum protections.

9 V.S.A. § 4461(b), (g)

Deposit return deadline

Within 14 days after the tenant moves out (or after the landlord discovers the tenant has left), the landlord must hand-deliver or mail the deposit with a written itemized statement of deductions. The deadline is 60 days for seasonal rentals that are not a primary residence. A landlord who misses the deadline forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit, and a willful failure makes the landlord liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney's fees and costs.

9 V.S.A. § 4461(c)-(e)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

At least 14 days' actual notice of the date the tenancy will end. The tenancy does not end if the tenant pays or offers the rent due through the end of the rental period in which payment is made.

9 V.S.A. § 4467(a)

Landlord entry notice

At least 48 hours' notice, and entry only between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., to inspect, make repairs, supply agreed services or show the unit. Entry with the tenant's consent is allowed, and the tenant may not unreasonably refuse it. Entry without consent or notice is allowed only if the landlord reasonably believes there is imminent danger to a person or property.

9 V.S.A. § 4460

Rent increases and rent control

Vermont's rental law sets no statewide cap on rent increases. A rent increase takes effect only on the first day of a rental period after at least 60 days' actual notice to the tenant.

9 V.S.A. § 4455(b)

If the landlord won’t make repairs

For a habitability problem that materially affects health and safety, the tenant may withhold rent for the period of the problem if the landlord does not repair it within a reasonable time after actual notice. The tenant may also seek a court order and damages, or end the lease on reasonable notice. For minor defects not fixed within 30 days of notice, the tenant may repair and deduct the reasonable cost, up to half of one month's rent. These remedies are not available if the tenant or a guest caused the problem.

9 V.S.A. §§ 4458, 4459

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Vermont

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Vermont resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. 9 V.S.A. Chapter 137 Residential Rental Agreements (full chapter; archived May 2026, includes 2025 session)Vermont General Assembly
2. 9 V.S.A. § 4455 Tenant obligations; payment of rentVermont General Assembly
3. 9 V.S.A. § 4458 Habitability; tenant remediesVermont General Assembly
4. 9 V.S.A. § 4459 Minor defects; repair and deductVermont General Assembly
5. 9 V.S.A. § 4460 AccessVermont General Assembly
6. 9 V.S.A. § 4461 Security depositsVermont General Assembly
7. 9 V.S.A. § 4467 Termination of tenancy; noticeVermont General Assembly
8. Acts Affecting Vermont Statutes, 2025-2026 SessionVermont General Assembly
9. Fuel AssistanceVermont Department for Children and Families
10. VTLawHelp.orgLegal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid
11. Vermont Legal AidVermont Legal Aid
12. How To Get HelpVermont Legal Aid
13. Vermont 211United Ways of Vermont
14. Eviction Prevention Program – Application Closure, 01 April 2026Vermont State Housing Authority
15. PHA Contact Information – VermontU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
16. Vermont State Housing AuthorityVermont State Housing Authority
17. Burlington Housing AuthorityBurlington Housing Authority
18. Brattleboro Housing PartnershipsBrattleboro Housing Partnerships
19. Winooski Housing AuthorityWinooski Housing Authority