On Your Own; Your Legal Right @ Eighteen On Your Own formatted final version | Page 57

A tenant can do any one or all of these at the same time. The only instance
where these remedies are not available is if the tenant or the tenant’s
guests caused the problem negligently or deliberately. If you are
considering any of these options, you should seek legal advice.
Minor Problems: Repair and Deduct
For minor problems that violate the housing code, the warranty of
habitability, or the terms of the rental agreement, the tenant has the
option of repairing the problems and deducting the cost from the next
month’s rent.
In order to repair and deduct, a tenant must first give the landlord notice
of the problem, preferably in writing. If the landlord fails to make the
repairs within 30 days of being notified, the tenant may make the repair
and deduct from the rent the actual and reasonable cost of the work, but
no more than one half of one month’s rent. The tenant must give the
landlord written notice of the cost of the repairs when the deduction is
made, along with receipts if available. Repair and deduct is not an option
if the problem was deliberately or negligently caused by the tenant or the
tenant’s guests.
Renter’s Insurance
Most landlords have insurance on their buildings, but this insurance
typically does not cover a tenant’s personal belongings. Renter’s insurance
is inexpensive and usually covers vandalism, theft, fire, and water damage.
Depending on the value of your belongings, renter’s insurance is a good
thing to have. For more information about renter’s insurance from the
Vermont
Department
of
Financial
Regulation,
visit
http://www.dfr.vermont.gov/insurance/insurance-consumer/renters-
insurance-advisory.
Security Deposits
A security deposit is any deposit or prepaid rent that is refundable to the
tenant when the tenant moves out. It should be used only for damages
beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent or utility bills owed by the
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