Eviction Laws for Landlords in Vermont: Navigating tenant evictions in Vermont demands legal precision, especially in 2025 as updated housing policies and economic shifts shape landlord-tenant relationships. For landlords, understanding the step-by-step eviction process is essential—not only to protect property investments but also to stay compliant with evolving legal standards.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Legal Basis for Eviction in Vermont
In Vermont, a landlord cannot remove a tenant without a legal reason and due process. Permissible grounds for eviction include:
- Non-payment of rent
- Violation of lease terms
- Illegal activities
- End of lease term with non-renewal notice
- Substantial property damage or health hazards
Eviction is strictly a judicial process. Under no circumstances can landlords engage in “self-help” actions like changing locks, removing possessions, or shutting off utilities without a court order. Doing so is illegal and may result in penalties.
Legal Eviction Steps for Vermont Landlords in 2025
1. Issue a Notice to Terminate Tenancy
The process begins with giving the tenant proper written notice. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for the eviction:
- 14-Day Notice for Non-Payment of Rent: The tenant must pay overdue rent within 14 days or vacate.
- 30-Day Notice for Lease Violations: Issued for violations such as unauthorized pets, subletting, or misuse of the property. Some violations may be curable.
- 60- to 90-Day Notice for No-Fault Terminations: For month-to-month tenants, landlords must provide at least 60 days’ notice. If the tenant has been in residence for over two years, 90 days’ notice is required.
In 2025, landlords may deliver notices via certified mail, personal delivery, or digital methods (such as email or tenant portals) if explicitly allowed in the lease.
2. Filing an Eviction Lawsuit (Complaint for Ejectment)
If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord must file a Complaint for Ejectment in Vermont’s Superior Court – Civil Division. Required documentation includes:
- A copy of the lease agreement
- Proof of notice delivery
- A statement of rent owed or specific lease violations
- Filing fee (typically between $90 and $150)
The court will serve the tenant a Summons and Complaint, giving them a deadline (typically 21 days) to respond.
3. Court Hearing and Judgment
If the tenant contests the eviction, a hearing will be scheduled. Landlords should bring all relevant evidence:
- Rental ledger
- Communication history
- Photos or videos of damage (if applicable)
- Copy of lease and written notices
The judge may issue a judgment for possession if the landlord proves their case. If the tenant fails to appear or respond, the court may issue a default judgment in the landlord’s favor.
4. Requesting a Writ of Possession
Once a judgment is obtained, the landlord must request a Writ of Possession—a legal document that allows a sheriff or constable to enforce the eviction.
Vermont law requires that tenants be given at least 14 days’ notice before physical removal. The officer will serve the writ and schedule the move-out date.
5. Dealing with Tenant Property After Eviction
In 2025, Vermont law mandates that landlords store a tenant’s belongings for 15 days after eviction. During this period, the tenant has the right to reclaim their possessions. Afterward, the landlord may dispose of or sell the items according to local regulations.
It’s best practice to inventory and photograph all items to avoid potential disputes.
2025 Updates to Vermont Eviction Laws
Several legal updates are impacting the Vermont eviction landscape in 2025:
- Digital Notice Recognition: The courts now recognize email and electronic portals for notices if previously agreed upon in writing.
- Tenant Right to Counsel Program: Low-income tenants facing eviction now have access to free legal counsel in select counties.
- Eviction Diversion Program: Before court hearings, landlords and tenants may be referred to a mediation program aimed at preventing homelessness and reducing court backlog.
- Landlord Registration Law: Vermont landlords must now be registered with the state to file an eviction, as part of broader housing regulation reforms.
These reforms aim to reduce unlawful evictions and promote more balanced landlord-tenant relations.
Case Study: Eviction in Burlington, Vermont (2025)
Scenario: Linda, a property owner in Burlington, leased a two-bedroom apartment to James, a tenant who had consistently delayed rent. In February 2025, James missed two full rent payments.
Step 1 – Issuing Notice: Linda issued a 14-Day Notice to Pay or Quit, sending it via certified mail and email (as permitted in the lease agreement).
Step 2 – Filing in Court: James did not respond or pay. Linda filed a Complaint for Ejectment with the Chittenden County Superior Court and paid a $120 filing fee.
Step 3 – Court Hearing: At the hearing, Linda presented the lease, rent records, email notices, and a screenshot of James admitting he couldn’t pay. The judge issued a judgment for possession in Linda’s favor.
Step 4 – Enforcement: Linda waited 14 days and then requested a Writ of Possession. The sheriff scheduled the lockout, and James moved out before the physical eviction date.
Step 5 – Post-Eviction: Linda stored James’ items for 15 days. He returned to claim them on day 10. Linda deducted $800 from the security deposit for damages and unpaid rent, supported by invoices and photos.
Key Takeaway: By following every legal step and maintaining proper documentation, Linda avoided legal backlash and regained possession legally and swiftly.
Best Practices for Vermont Landlords in 2025
To ensure legal and effective evictions, Vermont landlords should follow these best practices:
- Draft Comprehensive Leases: Include payment terms, behavior clauses, notice delivery options, and digital communication consent.
- Maintain Clear Records: Keep detailed rent ledgers, communications, and maintenance logs.
- Inspect Regularly: Perform move-in and move-out inspections with tenant signatures.
- Educate Tenants: A clear understanding of lease rules often prevents conflict.
- Seek Legal Counsel if Needed: Especially in complex cases involving disability, discrimination claims, or habitability issues.
10 FAQs on Eviction Laws for Landlords in Vermont
1. Can a landlord evict a tenant without a lease in Vermont?
Yes. Even without a written lease, landlords must follow Vermont’s legal eviction process. This includes giving proper notice—usually 60 to 90 days for month-to-month tenants—and filing for eviction in court if the tenant refuses to leave.
2. What is the fastest way to evict a tenant in Vermont in 2025?
The fastest method is issuing a 14-day notice for non-payment of rent. If the tenant doesn’t pay or move out, the landlord can quickly file a Complaint for Ejectment and request a court hearing.
3. How much notice does a landlord need to give a tenant in Vermont?
It depends on the reason:\n- 14 days for non-payment of rent
- 30 days for lease violations
- 60 to 90 days for no-fault evictions (depending on how long the tenant has lived in the unit)
4. Can a landlord evict someone for no reason in Vermont?
Yes—but only with proper notice. Landlords can issue a no-cause termination notice (60 or 90 days) to month-to-month tenants. However, they cannot discriminate or retaliate under Vermont law.
5. Can landlords email eviction notices in Vermont in 2025?
Yes, if the lease specifically allows digital communications. Vermont courts in 2025 accept notices sent via email or tenant portals when outlined in the rental agreement.
6. What is a Writ of Possession in Vermont?
It’s a court order that allows a sheriff or constable to physically remove the tenant. The landlord must request this after receiving a judgment for possession from the court.
7. Do landlords have to store tenant property after an eviction in Vermont?
Yes. Vermont law requires landlords to store belongings for 15 days after eviction. The tenant can reclaim the items during that time.
8. Can a tenant fight an eviction in Vermont?
Absolutely. Tenants can file an Answer to the eviction complaint and appear in court. They may present defenses like improper notice, landlord retaliation, or unsafe living conditions.
9. Are Vermont landlords required to register to evict tenants?
Yes. As of 2025, landlords must be registered with the state before initiating any legal eviction proceedings, per new housing compliance laws.
10. Is mediation required before eviction in Vermont in 2025?
In many counties, yes. The Eviction Diversion Program may refer landlords and tenants to mediation before a court hearing to try resolving disputes without eviction.