Vermont Non-Payment of Rent Notice Overview
Vermont requires a 14-day notice to quit under 9 V.S.A. §4467, but this can only be served after the 14-day statutory grace period expires, creating a minimum 28-day window from when rent is due until eviction can be filed.
Vermont evictions are filed in Superior Court (Civil Division). Chittenden County (Burlington) handles the most cases. Vermont courts actively encourage mediation and settlement.
14 Days
Notice period
$295
Avg. filing fee
Yes, strong protections
Right to cure
6-12 wks
Court process
Vermont's 14-Day Notice Requirement
Under 9 V.S.A. §4467, when a tenant fails to pay rent when due, the landlord must deliver a written notice giving the tenant 14 days to either pay the full amount of rent owed or vacate the premises. The notice must clearly state the amount of rent due, the deadline for payment, and that the landlord will terminate the rental agreement if the tenant does not comply.
Vermont provides strong tenant protections: a 14-day grace period before late fees, then a 14-day notice to quit, making the effective minimum 28 days from rent due date. Vermont courts handle evictions through Superior Court and actively encourage mediation.
Vermont: 14-Day Grace + 14-Day Notice = 28-Day Minimum
Vermont's layered protection gives tenants significant time: 14-day grace period (9 V.S.A. §4455) plus 14-day notice to quit (9 V.S.A. §4467). The effective minimum from rent due date to eviction filing is 28 days—among the longest in the country. Vermont courts also strongly encourage mediation.
Vermont Legal Requirements (9 V.S.A. §4467)
For the notice to be valid under Vermont law, it must meet specific requirements established by statute and interpreted by Vermont courts. A defective notice will result in dismissal of the eviction action, requiring the landlord to start the process over.
Required Notice Elements
- Written Format: The notice must be in writing. Verbal demands are not legally sufficient under Vermont law
- Exact Rent Amount: State the precise dollar amount of rent owed, broken down by period if applicable
- Cure Period: Clearly state the tenant has 14 days to pay the full amount or vacate
- Property Address: Include the full street address and unit number of the rental premises
- Tenant Names: List all tenants named on the lease who must be served with the notice
- Termination Warning: State that the rental agreement will terminate if rent is not paid within the notice period
- Landlord Information: Include the landlord's name, address, and contact information
Vermont Grace Period & Late Fee Rules
14-day grace period under 9 V.S.A. §4455. Understanding Vermont's specific rules about when rent becomes late and what fees can be charged is essential for properly timing and drafting the non-payment notice.
No specific cap. Must be reasonable. Cannot charge during grace period. Landlords should ensure all fee provisions are clearly documented in the lease agreement and comply with Vermont law.
Vermont Late Fee Quick Reference
Grace Period
14-day grace period under 9 V.
Late Fee Rule
No specific cap.
Partial Payment
Acceptance may waive eviction.
Right to Cure
Yes, strong protections.
How to Serve a Non-Payment Notice in Vermont
Vermont law specifies acceptable methods for delivering the notice. Improper service will invalidate the notice and require the landlord to start the process over, losing valuable time. Vermont courts require proof of proper service before proceeding with an eviction action.
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. This is the most reliable method and preferred by Vermont courts. Use a witness or process server to establish proof of service.
Substitute Service
If the tenant is not available, leave the notice with a person of suitable age and discretion residing at the premises. Document the name and relationship of the person who accepted it.
Post and Mail
Post the notice conspicuously on the main entrance of the unit and mail a copy via first-class mail. Both steps must be completed for valid service under this method.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep the return receipt as proof of delivery. The notice period begins when the tenant receives or signs for the mail.
File After Notice Expires
After the notice period passes without payment, file an eviction complaint in Vermont Superior Court (Civil Division). Include the original notice and proof of service with your filing.
Vermont Non-Payment Eviction Timeline
The Vermont eviction process for non-payment follows a structured timeline. Understanding this timeline helps landlords plan appropriately and set realistic expectations for regaining possession.
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Rent due + 14-day grace period | Day 15 |
| Serve 14-Day Notice to Quit | Day 15 |
| Notice expires | Day 29 |
| File ejectment in Superior Court | Day 29-31 |
| Summons served | Day 31-40 |
| Court hearing | Day 40-60 |
| Judgment and execution | Day 50-80 |
Total: 6-12 weeks. Vermont's process is among the longest. Mediation encouraged.
Vermont Eviction Filing Fees & Costs
Filing fees for eviction actions in Vermont vary by court. Below are typical costs landlords should expect.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Superior Court (Civil Division) Filing Fee | $120 - $295 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $75 |
| Writ of Possession/Restitution | $25 - $60 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $750 - $3,000 |
| Appeal (if needed) | $250 - $400 |
Sample Vermont 14-Day Non-Payment Notice
Below is a preview of our Vermont-specific non-payment notice. The final document includes all statutory language required under 9 V.S.A. §4467 and is formatted for Vermont court proceedings.
FOURTEEN (14) DAY NOTICE TO QUIT
STATE OF VERMONT
Pursuant to 9 V.S.A. §4467
TO TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenants on Lease]
Property: [Full Vermont Property Address]
RENT DUE:
Total rent owed: $[Amount]for the period of [Month/Year].
VERMONT STATUTORY NOTICE:
You are notified to quit within FOURTEEN (14) DAYS from service for non-payment of rent of $[Amount]. The 14-day grace period has expired. If you fail to vacate, an ejectment action will be filed in Vermont Superior Court.