Independent Living in Vermont

Vermont is primarily known for its scenic natural beauty, famous covered bridges, and popularity as a vacation and skiing destination. And yes, it’s also known for maple syrup – Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the United States. Vermont’s expansive, serene woodlands, snowy peaks, and charming cities like Burlington make “The Green Mountain State” a perfect retirement destination.

Currently, A Place for Mom partners with more than 10 retirement communities in Vermont which offer independent living. The median monthly cost of independent living in Vermont is about $4,400.

Because they don’t provide care services, stand-alone Vermont independent living communities aren’t licensed or regularly inspected. However, due to the rental nature of independent living units, these facilities may be subject to some standards of the Vermont Rental Housing Health Code. They may also be subject to certain landlord and tenant laws as well as inspections by the Department of Health’s Town Health Officers.

Certain senior living regulations may apply to Vermont independent living facilities if they share a campus with a higher level of senior living, such as a licensed assisted living community. Known as Assisted Living Residences (ALRs), these communities are licensed by the state’s Division of Licensing and Protection (DLP). They must provide daily activities and social interactions, provide three meals a day, and have at least one staff member in the community at all times.^[01]

Visit our Vermont assisted living regulations page to learn more about this care type.

Vermont renter and their rights

Many independent living communities have a minimum age requirement of 55 years old, and in most cases, you can only move in if you don’t require any care services at the time. In addition to these requirements, you should be aware of your rights as a renter in your state.

In Vermont, senior renters should have access to the following features in their rental units:^[02]

• A clean and safe living space
• Proper heating, electricity, and both hot and cold water
• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• An environment that meets the standards of the Vermont Rental Housing Health Code

You’ll also have certain protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act:^[03]

• The right to reasonable accommodations, including living with a service animal, having an accessible parking space, and adjusting rental payment due dates
• The right to rental modifications, including doors that are wide enough for a wheelchair, bathroom grab bars, and ramps

Vermont Department of Health contact information

Vermont Department of Health
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8300

Phone: 800-464-4343

Survey statements

Assisted Living Residences are inspected by the state’s Division of Licensing and Protection (DLP) before they’re licensed and whenever the DLP thinks it’s appropriate to do so. Some of these inspections are unannounced.^[01]

To view inspection reports, also known as survey statements, for combined independent living and assisted living communities near you, visit Vermont’s Division of Licensing and Protection website. Click on “Assisted Living Residence” to view a list of incidence investigations. You can also click on “Facilities by County” to view lists of assisted living facilities in your area.