If the landlord does not return the security deposit and provide an itemized list of deductions to the tenant by the deadline, they give up the right to keep any of the security deposit.
If the landlord fails to return the security deposit and provide the itemized list of deductions, they may be liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
A tenant can file a small claims case against their former landlord if they believe the landlord wrongfully withheld their security deposit. The tenant can sue for up to $10,000 in a small claims case. If the tenant wants to sue for more than $10,000, they can file a general civil case.
(Security deposits generally: 9 V.S.A. § 4461)
Tenant's Belongings
The landlord may dispose of any belongings remaining on the property on whichever of these dates is later:
15 days after the writ of possession is served.
When the landlord legally retakes possession.
12 V.S.A. § 4854a.
Mobile home parks
This web page does not cover evictions in mobile home parks. Please see these resources:
Vermont’s laws about mobile home parks are found in Title 10, Chapter 153 of the Vermont Statutes.
VTLawHelp’s Mobile Home Parks web page provides information for those who own their mobile home and live in a mobile home park.
Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity’s Mobile Home Park Rights & Resources web page has information for mobile home park residents.
The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development’s Mobile Home Parks web page provides information for residents and owners of mobile home parks.
Additional resources
Vermont’s landlord-tenant laws can be found in Title 9, Chapter 137 and Title 12, Chapter 169 of the Vermont Statutes.