Yes, a contract to lease is binding in Vermont. As long as an agreement exists and is acknowledged by the tenant and landlord, it is legally binding.
Even oral leases are binding, so long as both parties have agreed-upon terms. Leases do not have to be signed in order to be legally binding in Vermont. The laws still apply, and both parties must still comply with the agreed-upon terms and conditions.
The information for this answer was found on our Vermont Residential Lease Agreement answers.