How do I get a Landlord’s Certificate?
Most landlords are required to give you the Landlord’s Certificate by January 31.
If your landlord only rents one unit, you have to ask for a Landlord’s Certificate. Then your landlord must give you your Landlord’s Certificate within a reasonable amount of time after you ask for it. A “reasonable amount of time” usually means within about a week. The state may fine landlords for each Landlord Certificate they don’t provide.
If you moved during the year, both landlords should give you a certificate. Make sure your previous landlord has your address.
What can I do if my landlord didn’t give me a Landlord’s Certificate?
If your landlord did not give you a Landlord’s Certificate, ask the landlord to give you the Vermont Tax Department Landlord’s Certificate: Form LC-142. Your landlord is required to give it to you.
If you ask, but your landlord still won’t give you the Landlord’s Certificate, you may still file a paper Renter Rebate Claim. Complete a paper Landlord Certificate. Include your landlord’s name, address, and telephone number, and attach copies of your cancelled checks or receipts for rent paid. Attach a letter explaining why you could not get a Landlord Certificate. Do not sign the form.
The Vermont Tax Department could fine your landlord $200 if he or she refuses to give you your Landlord’s Certificate.
My landlord gave me the Landlord’s Certificate, but it’s wrong. What can I do?
If the Landlord’s Certificate has the wrong amount of rent or other wrong information, ask your landlord to explain what the form means. You might just not understand what the form is asking for.
If it’s not a mistake or misunderstanding, call the Vermont Department of Taxes toll-free at 1-866-828-2865. Tell them that the information your landlord put on the Landlord’s Certificate is wrong. Ask them to help you get your landlord to correct it.
