Vermont Eviction Notice Overview
Vermont Requires 14-Day Notice, Not 3-Day
Under 9 V.S.A. §4467(a), Vermont requires a minimum 14-day written notice for non-payment of rent. A 3-day notice would be legally invalid. Vermont courts strictly enforce notice requirements and will dismiss cases with insufficient notice periods.
Vermont's Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137) governs evictions. For non-payment, §4467(a) requires a 14-day written notice. A 3-day notice is not recognized in Vermont for any residential eviction purpose. This makes Vermont one of the states with longer minimum notice periods.
Vermont evictions are filed in the Superior Court, Civil Division (formerly district court). Burlington (Chittenden County) handles the most cases. Vermont is a small state with a relatively tight rental market, and courts take tenant protections seriously. The state does not have rent control, but its notice requirements and procedural protections give tenants significant time to respond.
14 Days
Non-payment notice
$50-$150
Filing fees
Written
Notice required
4-8 wks
Court process
Vermont Legal Requirements
Vermont's notice must comply with the Residential Rental Agreements Act. The 14-day notice must clearly state the rent amount and give the tenant a full 14 days to pay or vacate.
Required Notice Elements
- Written Notice: Must be in writing per 9 V.S.A. §4467
- 14-Day Period: Full 14 days to pay or vacate
- Rent Amount: Exact past-due rent amount
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease
- Property Address: Complete rental property address
- Landlord Information: Landlord name and contact details
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Vermont
Vermont allows personal delivery and mailing. The method affects when the 14-day period begins. Courts require proof of proper service.
Prepare the 14-Day Notice
Verify rent amount. Include only base rent owed.
Personal Delivery
Hand deliver to the tenant. Clock starts the next day.
Mail Service
Send via certified or first-class mail. Add time for delivery.
Document Service
Record date, time, and method for court.
File in Superior Court After 14 Days
If the tenant does not pay or vacate, file a complaint in the Superior Court, Civil Division.
Vermont Eviction Timeline
After the 14-day notice expires, the landlord files an ejectment action in Superior Court. Vermont courts schedule hearings within 2-4 weeks of filing in most counties.
Vermont courts may encourage mediation or settlement discussions, particularly in Chittenden County. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a writ of possession with a specified move-out date.
Total time from notice to enforcement: 5-10 weeks (uncontested) or 3-5 months (contested). Vermont's process is slower than many states due to the 14-day notice, court scheduling, and the state's tenant-protective approach.
Vermont Court Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Vermont. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Superior Court Filing | $50 - $150 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $60 |
| Writ of Possession | $25 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $500 - $2,500 |
| Sheriff Enforcement | $50 - $150 |
Sample Vermont Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of the Vermont-compliant eviction notice.
14-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT
STATE OF VERMONT
Pursuant to 9 V.S.A. §4467
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Vermont Property Address]
RENT DEMAND:
Past-due rent: $[Amount]
Period: [Month/Year]
NOTICE
You have FOURTEEN (14) DAYS from service to pay the full past-due rent of $[Amount] for [Month/Year] or surrender possession. Failure to comply will result in the filing of an ejectment action in Superior Court.