Vermont Eviction Notice Overview
Vermont's eviction laws are governed by the Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137). The state uses a 14-day notice for non-payment under Section 4467(a) and a 30-day notice for substantial lease violations under Section 4467(b). Vermont does not have a 10-day notice period. Vermont is widely regarded as one of the most tenant-protective states in New England.
Vermont eviction cases are heard in Superior Court, Civil Division, and carry a higher filing fee ($295) than most states. The state's strong habitability protections under 9 V.S.A. §4457, anti-retaliation provisions under §4465, and mobile home park protections under 10 V.S.A. Chapter 153 create a comprehensive framework that heavily favors tenant rights. Landlords must ensure strict compliance with all notice and procedural requirements.
14 Days
Non-payment notice
$295
Filing fee
30 Days
Lease violations
8-14 wks
Total process
Vermont's Actual Notice Periods
Vermont Uses 14/30-Day Notices
Vermont's notice period is 14 days for non-payment and 30 days for lease violations. Using a 10-day notice would provide less than the statutory minimum and would result in dismissal of the eviction. Vermont courts strictly enforce notice period requirements.
| Eviction Reason | Notice Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Non-payment of rent | 14 days | 9 V.S.A. §4467(a) |
| Substantial lease violations | 30 days | 9 V.S.A. §4467(b) |
| No-cause termination | 60 days (or 90 for elderly/disabled) | 9 V.S.A. §4467(c) |
| Health/safety emergency | Shorter period allowed | 9 V.S.A. §4467(d) |
Vermont Legal Requirements
Vermont's notice requirements are among the most detailed in New England under 9 V.S.A. §4467.
- Written Notice: Must be in writing and delivered to the tenant
- Amount Owed: For non-payment, specify the exact amount of unpaid rent
- 14-Day Period: State that the tenant has 14 days to pay in full
- Termination Warning: Warn that the tenancy will terminate if rent is not paid
- Lead Paint Disclosure: Vermont requires lead paint disclosures for pre-1978 properties
How to Serve in Vermont
Vermont requires proper service of the eviction notice to ensure the tenant has actual notice.
Personal Service
Hand-deliver the notice directly to the tenant. The strongest method for Vermont Superior Court
Suitable Age Service
Leave with a person of suitable age at the tenant's last known address
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested to the tenant's address
File in Superior Court
After the notice period expires, file an ejectment action in the Superior Court, Civil Division
Vermont Eviction Timeline
Days 1-14: Non-payment notice period. Day 15+: File ejectment in Superior Court ($295 fee). Days 16-45: Court schedules hearing (20-30 days). Hearing: Judge rules. Post-judgment: Writ of possession issued; sheriff executes within 7-14 days.
Total uncontested: 8-14 weeks, among the longest in the nation. Contested: 4-6 months. Vermont's higher filing fee and longer notice periods make it one of the slowest and most expensive states for landlords pursuing eviction.
Vermont Court Fees
Vermont Superior Court fees are among the highest for eviction filings.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Superior Court Filing | $295 |
| Sheriff Service | $40 - $75 |
| Writ of Possession | $50 - $100 |
| Attorney Fees | $800 - $2,500 |
| Sheriff Lockout | $100 - $250 |
Sample Vermont 14-Day Notice
Below is a preview of a Vermont 14-day non-payment notice under 9 V.S.A. §4467(a).
14-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION FOR NON-PAYMENT
STATE OF VERMONT
Pursuant to 9 V.S.A. §4467(a)
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Vermont Property Address]
NOTICE
You have FOURTEEN (14) DAYS to pay $[Amount] in unpaid rent. If you fail to pay within 14 days, your tenancy will be terminated and the landlord will file an ejectment action in Vermont Superior Court.