Tenant law in plain language
Vermont

Landlord Entering Without Notice in Vermont: What Are My Rights?

Published by Nazanin · October 3, 2026

This page covers when a Vermont landlord may enter your home. It also covers lockouts and shutoffs of utilities (water, electric, gas), and what you can do if a landlord breaks these rules.

Need help now? Local Help in Vermont: legal aid, rent assistance, and who to call
Not legal advice. Each answer below links to where it comes from. Read it before you act.

  1. A Vermont landlord may enter your rental home with your consent. You may not say no without a good reason.

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4460(a)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  2. A Vermont landlord may enter your home between 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. with at least 48 hours' notice. One reason is when necessary to inspect the home. Another is to make necessary or agreed repairs or changes.

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4460(b)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  3. A Vermont landlord may enter your home between 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. with at least 48 hours' notice to supply agreed services. A Vermont landlord may enter on that notice to show the home to buyers or possible buyers, lenders, tenants, workers or contractors.

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4460(b)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  4. A Vermont landlord may come in to inspect your home when necessary. The landlord must give you at least 48 hours' notice.

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4460(b)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  5. A Vermont landlord may come in to make necessary or agreed repairs, changes, or improvements, or to supply agreed services. The landlord must give you at least 48 hours' notice.

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4460(b)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  6. A Vermont landlord may come in to show your home to buyers, mortgage lenders, tenants, workers, or contractors. The landlord must give you at least 48 hours' notice before coming in.

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4460(b)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  7. A Vermont landlord may enter without consent or notice in one case only. The landlord must reasonably believe a person or property is in danger that is about to happen.

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4460(c)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  8. Each time your landlord enters or tries to enter, write down the date, the time and the reason given. Keep any notice you get. These records help if you later need to show what happened.

    RenterLaw editorial

  9. A Vermont landlord may not directly or indirectly keep you out of your rented home. Only proper court process allows that.

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4463(b)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  10. A Vermont landlord may not on purpose, directly or indirectly, stop your utilities (water, electric, gas). Temporary stops for emergency repairs are allowed.

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4463(a)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  11. A Vermont landlord may not retaliate (get back at you) by setting or changing the terms of your rental agreement. A Vermont landlord may not bring or threaten a court case to get back at you.

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4465(a)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  12. In Vermont, a landlord may not retaliate (get back at you) if you reported a building, housing or health violation to a government agency. The violation must be at your home. It must materially (seriously) affect health and safety.

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4465(a)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  13. In Vermont, a landlord may not retaliate (get back at you) if you complained to the landlord of a violation of Vermont's rental housing law.

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4465(a)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  14. In Vermont, a landlord may not retaliate (get back at you) if you organized or became a member of a tenant's union or similar organization.

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4465(a)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  15. If an illegal eviction causes you damage or injury in Vermont, you may bring an action in court. You may ask for a court order, money for your loss, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.

    RenterLaw editorial Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4464(a)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

  16. A Vermont tenant who is hurt by an illegal eviction may sue the landlord. A court may order the tenant to pay the landlord's reasonable attorney's fees. This can happen after a motion and hearing. The court must find the tenant did not act in good faith. It must also find the action was frivolous (not serious) or meant only for harassment (unwanted, hostile treatment).

    Vermont General Assembly 9 V.S.A. § 4464(a)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

Is something on this page wrong or out of date? Tell us.

All cities for this topic →