Southern Vermont Justice

What you need to know about using and growing marijuana in rental housing.

If you live in Vermont, you can now officially cultivate and use marijuana for recreational purposes. BUT, according to the law, you may only do so in your own home. If you rent, you’ll need written permission from your landlord.

Whether you’re a renter or a landlord, these are some guides to navigating the new marijuana laws.

FOR TENANTS

• If you rent a house or an apartment, you must get a written permission from your landlord.
• If your landlord has no issues with you growing your own marijuana plants, and you have their written permission, you may only grow plants in a secure enclosed space.
• It is important to note that marijuana remains illegal under the federal law. If you rely on federal subsidies to pay for housing, marijuana use can be the basis for support termination.

FOR LANDLORDS

• You can ban or allow the consumption, possession, and growing of marijuana on your property. The choice is yours.
• If you have no issues with the new marijuana cultivation rights and wish to allow your tenants to grow or use marijuana in your rental property, you should provide them with written permission.
• To protect your home from damage attend to how your tenants grow cannabis. Improper cultivation can lead to mold development and potential health risks. Be aware that growing marijuana requires a significant amount of electricity, which may overload old circuits and create a fire hazard.