Vermont Eviction Notice Overview
Vermont does not use a 7-day eviction notice. Under 9 V.S.A. 4467(a), landlords must give a 14-day notice for non-payment of rent. Vermont has some of the strongest tenant protections in New England and one of the higher filing fees. The eviction process is handled in Superior Court, Civil Division.
Vermont's Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137) governs residential rentals. Vermont has 14 counties with Superior Court locations. Chittenden County (Burlington) handles the highest eviction volume. Vermont has been expanding tenant protections and rental housing regulations in recent years.
14 Days
Notice period
$295
Filing fee
VT Code
Governing law
Superior
Court level
Why Vermont Uses 14 Days, Not 7
Important: Vermont Requires a 14-Day Notice, Not 7
9 V.S.A. 4467(a) requires a 14-day notice for non-payment. Vermont provides strong tenant protections including the right to cure. A 7-day notice would be insufficient.
Vermont Notice Periods at a Glance
- 14-Day Notice — Non-Payment (9 V.S.A. 4467(a)): Tenant has 14 days to pay all rent owed
- 30-Day Notice — Lease Violations (9 V.S.A. 4467(b)): 30 days for material noncompliance with opportunity to cure
- 30-Day Notice — No-Cause: 30 days for no-cause termination of month-to-month
- Immediate — Criminal Activity: For specified criminal conduct
Vermont Notice Requirements
Vermont courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 14 days for non-payment as required by Vermont law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Vermont
Vermont law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver to the tenant.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail.
Posting
Post on the door and mail a copy.
Document Service
Prepare proof of service for Superior Court filing.
Vermont Eviction Timeline
The Vermont eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 14-day notice per 9 V.S.A. 4467(a)
File ejectment complaint in Superior Court
Court serves summons; hearing scheduled
Hearing held; judgment entered
Writ of possession issued; sheriff enforces
Vermont evictions take 6-10 weeks uncontested. Contested cases take 10-18 weeks. Chittenden County (Burlington) may have longer timelines. Vermont's strong tenant protections can extend proceedings.
Vermont Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Vermont Superior Court (Civil Division). Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Superior Court Filing Fee | $295 |
| Service of Process | $30 - $60 |
| Writ of Possession | $40 - $80 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $300 |
Sample Vermont Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Vermont-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of 9 V.S.A. 4467.
14-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF VERMONT
Pursuant to 9 V.S.A. 4467(a)
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Vermont Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You have FOURTEEN (14) DAYS to pay $[Amount] in full or vacate.
VERMONT COMPLIANCE NOTE
Vermont requires 14 days for non-payment (9 V.S.A. 4467(a)), not 7 days.