(Undisclosed Address), Starksboro, VT

Lease terms

Pets : Dogs and cats are permitted with prior Landlord approval. Number, size, and type of pets are subject to Landlord approval. No additional pet fee shall be charged unless otherwise agreed in writing. Tenant is responsible for any damage caused by pets. Utilities & Maintenance: Tenant shall be responsible for the following utilities and services: electricity, heating fuel (oil), internet, trash removal, lawn care (summer/fall mowing/fall leaf raking), and snow removal for the driveway and walkways. Landlord may provide certain tools and equipment for Tenant's use, including but not limited to a push mower, leaf blower, rakes, brooms, and shovels. All such items remain the property of the Landlord. Tenant is permitted to use these tools solely for routine property maintenance, including lawn mowing, raking, and snow removal. Tenant agrees to use all equipment in a reasonable manner and return it in good condition, normal wear and tear excepted. Tenant is responsible for any damage resulting from misuse or negligence. Tenant agrees to maintain active utility accounts throughout the lease term and shall list Landlord as an authorized contact for electricity and heating fuel (oil) accounts for verification purposes only and to prevent pipes freezing in winter. Landlord shall be responsible for any seasonal fees related to road snow plowing (if applicable), not including the driveway. Landlord is also responsible for annual septic inspections, septic pumping, annual boiler inspection, and annual chimney sweep for wood stove fireplace. Air Conditioning : Tenant may install window or portable air conditioning units with prior Landlord approval. Tenant is responsible for proper installation and any damage resulting from installation or use. Landlord may, at their discretion, provide an air conditioning unit for Tenant's use. Any such unit remains the property of the Landlord and shall be maintained in good condition by the Tenant, reasonable wear and tear excepted. Furnishings: Tenant may elect to rent the premises unfurnished or partially furnished. Any furnishings provided (e.g., pull-out sofa bed, dining table, stools, Adirondack chairs, outdoor barrel and stools) shall remain the property of the Landlord unless otherwise agreed. Tenant is responsible for maintaining furnishings in good condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted. Lease Term & Payments: First month's rent and a security deposit equal to one (1) month's rent are due upon lease signing. The initial lease term shall be for one (1) year. Any renewal or extension shall be subject to mutual written agreement between Landlord and Tenant. Security Deposit (Vermont Compliance) : The security deposit shall be held and returned in accordance with Vermont law. Landlord shall return the deposit (or provide an itemized list of deductions) within fourteen (14) days of Tenant vacating the premises, provided Tenant has supplied a forwarding address. Pest Prevention & Door/Entry Use: Tenant agrees to take reasonable measures to prevent the entry of pests, rodents, and wildlife into the premises. Exterior doors and windows shall not be left open or unattended without appropriate screens in place. Tenant shall ensure that all doors and windows are securely closed when not in active use, particularly during evening hours and colder seasons. Tenant is responsible for any pest infestation resulting from negligence, including but not limited to leaving doors or windows open, improper food storage, or failure to maintain basic cleanliness. Costs associated with remediation due to such negligence may be charged to the Tenant. Tenant acknowledges that the property is located in an area where wildlife is present and agrees to exercise heightened care in keeping doors and windows closed to prevent entry. Smoking Policy : Smoking of any kind is strictly prohibited inside the premises. If evidence of smoking is found, Tenant shall be responsible for all costs associated with cleaning, deodorization, and remediation, which may be deducted from the security deposit or billed additionally if necessary. Smoking is permitted outdoors only in designated or appropriate areas and upon owners approval. Tenant shall ensure that all cigarettes, cigars, or smoking materials are fully extinguished and safely disposed of in appropriate, non-combustible containers. Discarding smoking materials on the ground, in wooded areas, or in any location that may present a fire hazard is strictly prohibited. Tenant shall be responsible for any damage, fire risk, or remediation costs resulting from improper disposal of smoking materials. Fire Safety (Wood Stove & Fire pits): Tenant agrees to use all indoor and outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and wood stoves safely and responsibly. Only appropriate firewood may be burned indoors in the woodstove fireplace. Firewood in the Lean-to shed can only be used in the outdoor fire pit. Fires must be attended at all times and fully extinguished before being left unattended. Ashes must be completely cooled and disposed of in a non-combustible container. Outdoor fires must comply with local regulations and shall not be conducted during burn bans or unsafe conditions. Tenant is responsible for any damage or loss resulting from misuse or negligence related to fire use. Gardening & Invasive Species: Tenant may use designated garden areas, including raised beds, for personal gardening. Tenant agrees not to introduce or plant any invasive or non-native species that may spread beyond the garden area. Tenant is responsible for maintaining garden areas in a reasonable condition and for removal of any plants introduced during the tenancy, if requested by Landlord. Tenant shall be responsible for any remediation required due to the introduction of invasive species. Wildlife & Bird Feeding: Tenant may use bird feeders during winter months only (generally December through March), when bears are not active. Bird feeding is prohibited during other times of the year to prevent attracting wildlife, including bears. Trash Storage & Wildlife Prevention: Tenant shall ensure that all trash and recycling containers are securely closed and, where applicable, properly latched or strapped at all times to prevent access by wildlife, including bears. Trash shall not be left loose, uncovered, or outside of designated containers. Tenant agrees to comply with all local waste storage guidelines and to promptly clean up any spills or scattered debris. Tenant is responsible for any damage or remediation resulting from failure to properly secure trash. Maintenance, Cleanliness & Damage: Tenant shall maintain the premises in a clean, sanitary, and orderly condition and shall use all appliances, fixtures, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems in a safe and reasonable manner. Tenant is responsible for routine upkeep, including proper use and basic care of plumbing and appliances, and for promptly notifying Landlord of any issues or needed repairs. Tenant shall be responsible for any damage to the premises or its systems caused by negligence, misuse, or failure to maintain reasonable cleanliness, and shall bear the cost of repair or remediation, normal wear and tear excepted. Noise & Quiet Enjoyment: While Tenant is entitled to reasonable privacy in the use of the premises, Tenant shall conduct themselves in a manner that does not unreasonably disturb neighbors or interfere with others' quiet enjoyment of nearby properties. Excessive or unreasonable noise, including loud music, parties, or disturbances, is prohibited. Entry & Notice Under Vermont landlord-tenant law: Landlord must give at least 48 hours notice before entry (except emergencies) and define acceptable entry reasons (repairs, inspections, showings). Subletting & Airbnb: No subletting or Airbnb permitted during the terms of the lease. Condition Report / Move-In Checklist Tenant signs off on condition at move-in Storage & Common Areas No storing of hazardous materials in exterior shed, lean-to, or any location inside the property.