Vermont Rental Application Overview
Vermont is a tenant-friendly state with broad fair housing protections, source of income protections, and criminal history restrictions.
Vermont does not have a specific statutory cap on application fees, but the state's consumer protection laws require that fees be reasonable.
No state cap
Max application fee
Yes, with written co
Credit check
Restrictions on crim
Criminal bg check
2.5-3x monthly rent
Income requirement
Vermont Tenant Screening Laws
Application Fee Rules
Vermont does not have a specific statutory cap on application fees, but the state's consumer protection laws require that fees be reasonable.
Criminal Background Check Rules
Vermont limits the use of criminal history in housing decisions. Landlords should conduct individualized assessments and certain sealed or expunged records cannot be considered.
Credit Check Requirements
Vermont landlords can run credit checks with written consent per the FCRA. No specific additional state restrictions.
Fair Housing Protections
Vermont's Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act provides very broad protections including sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, source of income, age, and place of birth.
Source of Income Protection
Vermont prohibits discrimination based on source of income. Landlords cannot reject applicants solely because their income comes from Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Social Security, disability benefits, child support, alimony, or other lawful income sources. Violations can result in fair housing complaints and penalties.
Vermont Screening Criteria
Vermont landlords typically evaluate the following criteria when reviewing rental applications. All screening must comply with federal and Vermont state fair housing laws.
- Credit Score: Most Vermont landlords look for a credit score of 620 or higher, though thresholds vary by property and market
- Income: Gross monthly income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent is the standard requirement
- Rental History: Positive references from previous landlords, no evictions, and a record of on-time rent payments
- Employment Verification: Stable employment or verifiable income sufficient to cover rent and living expenses
- Background Check: Subject to Vermont's restrictions on criminal history screening
How to Fill Out a Vermont Rental Application
Follow these steps to properly complete your Vermont rental application. Our template includes all sections required for Vermont-compliant tenant screening.
Provide Personal Information
Enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, email, and current address. Your SSN is required for the credit check and will be handled securely per Vermont data protection requirements.
Detail Your Rental History
List your current and previous addresses for the past 2-3 years, including landlord names and contact information, monthly rent, dates of tenancy, and reason for leaving. Vermont landlords will contact your previous landlords to verify this information.
Enter Employment and Income Details
Provide your employer's name, address, your position, length of employment, and gross monthly income. Include all income sources. Most Vermont landlords require income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent.
Add References
Include 2-3 personal or professional references with their names, phone numbers, and your relationship. Let them know they may be contacted. Strong references can strengthen your application, especially if you have limited rental history.
Sign Authorization Forms
Review and sign the credit check authorization, background check consent, and FCRA disclosure. These are required by federal law before the landlord can access your consumer reports. The authorization is specific to this application and cannot be used for other purposes.
Submit with Supporting Documents
Attach copies of your photo ID, recent pay stubs, and any other requested documentation. Pay the application fee if required. Vermont does not cap application fees.
Vermont Rental Application Fees & Costs
Here's a breakdown of typical rental application costs in Vermont. Fees vary by landlord and screening service used.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $25-$50 |
| Credit Check | $15-$40 (often included in application fee) |
| Background Check | $20-$50 (often included in application fee) |
| Refundable? | Typically non-refundable |
Sample Vermont Rental Application
Below is a preview of our Vermont-specific rental application. Your customized document will include all fields and disclosures required under Vermont law.
STATE OF VERMONT
RENTAL APPLICATION
Tenant Screening Form
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: [Legal Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB] SSN: [XXX-XX-XXXX]
Phone: [Phone] Email: [Email]
RENTAL HISTORY
Current Address: [Vermont Address]
Landlord: [Name] Rent: $[Amount]
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME
Employer: [Company]
Monthly Income: $[Amount]
AUTHORIZATION
I authorize the landlord to obtain my credit report, conduct a background check, and verify the information provided in this application in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Vermont state law...
Vermont Rental Application FAQ
Answers to common questions about rental applications, tenant screening, and landlord requirements in Vermont.
Official Vermont Resources
Use these official resources to learn more about Vermont tenant screening laws, fair housing requirements, and your rights as a landlord or tenant.
Other Vermont Documents
Need other rental and lease documents for Vermont? We offer state-specific templates for every type of landlord-tenant document.
Create your Vermont Rental Application in under 5 minutes.
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