Eviction Process in Vermont: A 2026 Landlord's Guide
14-day notice for nonpayment. 30-day for violations. Strong tenant protections. Process typically 2-4+ months. Very tenant-friendly. Court may grant stays. Long process.
Required notice types in Vermont
| Type | Notice Period | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Nonpayment | 14 days | Tenant failed to pay rent. Tenant may cure by paying the full amount owed before the deadline in most states. |
| Lease violation (curable) | 30 days | Tenant is violating lease terms (unauthorized pets, unauthorized occupants, noise, etc.) and has the option to correct the violation. |
The eviction process, step by step
Step 1 — Serve a 14-day Notice of Termination. Vermont law requires you to give the tenant written notice and 14 days to either pay what's owed or vacate. Serve in the manner permitted by 9 V.S.A. § 4467.
Step 2 — File a Ejectment Action complaint. If the tenant doesn't pay or move out by the deadline, file in the appropriate court (typically justice, district, or small claims depending on county).
Step 3 — Court hearing. The court sets a hearing, typically within 8-18 weeks. Bring the lease, payment ledger, copy of the notice, and proof of service.
Step 4 — Judgment and writ of possession. If you win, the court issues a judgment. After the tenant's appeal window closes, the sheriff or constable executes the writ and restores possession.
How long does an eviction take in Vermont?
Uncontested cases in Vermont typically move through the courts in about 120 days from notice to sheriff's lockout. Contested cases, tenant bankruptcy filings, and local court backlogs can extend this significantly. The minimum realistic timeline (everything uncontested, no appeals) is roughly 60 days.
Need to send a Notice of Termination right now?
LandlordPro drafts a Vermont notice in about 2 minutes using the notice period and service language on file for Vermont, with a digital audit trail. Check the current statute or a local attorney before you serve it.
Start free — no credit cardKey statute for Vermont
Notice for unpaid rent
Authority: 9 V.S.A. § 4467(a)
at least 14 days after the date of the actual notice
What this means: Vermont requires a 14-day notice before you can file for eviction over unpaid rent.
Read from the statute text (verified 2026-09-22)
Notice for other lease violations
Authority: 9 V.S.A. § 4467(b)(1)
The landlord may terminate a tenancy for failure of the tenant to comply with a material term of the rental agreement or with obligations imposed under this chapter by actual notice given to the tenant at least 30 days prior to the termination date specified in the notice.
What this means: Vermont requires a 30-day notice before you can file for eviction over a lease violation other than unpaid rent.
Read from the statute text (verified 2026-09-22)
Ending a month-to-month tenancy
Authority: 9 V.S.A. § 4467(c)(1)
If rent is payable on a monthly basis, by providing actual notice to the tenant of the date on which the tenancy will terminate, which shall be:
What this means: Vermont requires 60 days' notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.
Read from the statute text (verified 2026-09-22)
Abandoned property
If a tenant leaves personal property behind after vacating, Vermont allows landlords to handle abandoned property after 60 days of apparent abandonment. Procedures vary — many states require written notice and a public or private sale with proceeds held for a statutory period.
Frequently asked questions
How many days' notice do I need to give before evicting for nonpayment in Vermont?
Vermont law requires a 14-day notice for nonpayment of rent. The tenant typically has those 14 days to either pay the full amount owed or vacate before you can file in court. See 9 V.S.A. § 4467.
How long does an eviction take in Vermont?
An uncontested eviction in Vermont typically takes about 120 days from notice to sheriff's lockout. Contested cases, tenant bankruptcy, or court backlogs can add weeks or months.
Can I evict a tenant at the end of their lease in Vermont without cause?
Vermont generally allows landlords to end a tenancy at the close of a fixed-term lease or with proper notice to a month-to-month tenant, without needing to show fault. Local ordinances may add requirements — confirm with an attorney if you're in a large city.
Can I change the locks or shut off utilities to force a Vermont tenant out?
No. Self-help evictions — changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities — are illegal in Vermont and every other US state. Only a court order and a sheriff or constable can legally remove a tenant. Self-help exposes you to damages and statutory penalties.
What happens if my Vermont tenant files for bankruptcy during eviction?
A bankruptcy filing triggers an automatic stay that halts the eviction, even if you have a judgment. You'll generally need to file a motion for relief from the automatic stay in bankruptcy court before resuming. Bankruptcies add weeks or months — factor this into your risk assessment.
Handling evictions in Vermont with LandlordPro
LandlordPro is built to keep you on the right side of Vermont's procedural rules. The notice wizard asks a few questions, drafts a notice using the number of days and language on file for this state; verify it against the current statute before serving, and logs proof of service. If the case proceeds to court, LandlordPro's eviction timeline tracks every deadline and its tenant records bundle feature assembles an attorney-review-ready PDF with a plain-English AI records summary of the case — a tool no other landlord software offers.
Create your first Vermont notice →
Raising the rent: Vermont requires 60 days' notice before a rent increase (via the month-to-month notice rule). Vermont rent increase laws →
Late rent: Vermont sets no cap on late fees. Vermont late fee laws →
Related: Vermont security deposit law — limits & return deadlines · What an eviction costs in every state
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