Can a Vermont Landlord Change Locks Without Permission?

If you’re renting in Vermont, you may wonder if your landlord can change your apartment or house locks without telling you. Knowing your rights empowers you to respond appropriately and protect your home. Vermont law sets clear limits on when and how landlords can alter locks, ensuring renters aren’t locked out unjustly.

Vermont Law on Landlords Changing Locks

Under Vermont residential rental law, your landlord generally cannot change the locks or otherwise prevent you from accessing your rental unit without proper procedures. This is covered by the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act, available on the Vermont Legislature website. "Lockouts" — changing locks to remove a tenant without a court order — are considered "self-help evictions" and are illegal in most situations.^[1]

When Can a Landlord Legally Change Locks?

• Eviction by Court Order: If a landlord has obtained an official eviction order from the court, they may change the locks once you have been lawfully removed by a sheriff.
• Emergency Repairs or Safety: If there is an emergency (like fire or flooding), the landlord may need to temporarily access or secure the unit, but they must restore your access afterward.
• By Agreement: If both you and the landlord agree in writing to change locks — for example, after a roommate moves out — this is allowed.

Outside of these circumstances, changing locks without your knowledge or consent is not allowed.

What is "Self-Help Eviction"?

A "self-help eviction" means a landlord tries to force a tenant out by changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings — without a legal court process. In Vermont, this is strictly prohibited.^[1]

What to Do If Your Landlord Changes the Locks Illegally

If you return home and can’t access your apartment, stay calm and follow these steps to protect your rights:

• Document the situation (photos, witnesses, texts/emails).
• Contact your landlord in writing asking for immediate access.
• Call local law enforcement if you feel unsafe or cannot retrieve medications/personal items.
• Reach out to Vermont Legal Aid or the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program.

How to File a Complaint or Take Legal Action

If your landlord has locked you out illegally, you may file a complaint or bring a case in the Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division, which handles residential tenancy disputes in Vermont.

Relevant Vermont Forms:

• Complaint for Relief from Unlawful Eviction (Form 400-00153)
  Use when: You have been locked out without a court order or due process. For example, a renter whose landlord changed the locks after an argument could file this form to request a court hearing and immediate relief.
  Download Complaint for Relief from Unlawful Eviction (PDF)
• Tenant’s Answer to Eviction (Form 400-00101)
  Use when: If you have received a formal eviction notice and want to respond. Not directly for lockouts, but often related when an eviction process is underway.
  Download Tenant Answer to Eviction (PDF)

After you submit the complaint form to your local Civil Court division, you may be scheduled for a hearing where a judge will review your case. Keep copies of all documentation and communications.

Understanding Vermont’s Residential Rental Agreements Law

Vermont’s key renter protections are found in the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (Title 9, Chapter 137). This law covers your right to possession, required notice for landlord entry, and the prohibition against lockouts/sudden exclusion.

1. Can my landlord ever change the locks without telling me?
   In nearly all cases, your landlord must notify you and cannot change locks without your consent or a court’s eviction order.
2. What can I do immediately if I’m locked out illegally?
   Document the lockout, try to contact your landlord, and consider filing an official complaint form (see above) with the Vermont Superior Court.
3. If a landlord claims it’s for repairs or emergencies, do they have to give me a new key?
   Yes: After necessary repairs or emergencies, you must be provided with access to the property.
4. Does changing the locks without court approval affect my rights as a tenant?
   Yes: Landlords who do this may be liable for damages and could face legal penalties.
5. Who can help me if I have trouble with landlord lockouts in Vermont?
   Contact Vermont Legal Aid, the Attorney General’s office, or your local Civil Court for guidance and support.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

• Landlords are not allowed to change locks without a court order or mutual written consent.
• If you’re locked out unfairly, file the Vermont "Complaint for Relief from Unlawful Eviction" and document the incident.
• Know your rights under the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act and don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division: Handles tenancy and lockout disputes
• Vermont Legal Aid Tenant Rights Guide: Free help for tenants
• Vermont Attorney General: Consumer Assistance Program: File complaints and seek advice
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act: Official full legislation
• For emergencies or immediate threats, call your local police or sheriff’s office

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1. See Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (Title 9, Chapter 137), § 4463, § 4464
2. Vermont Superior Court Civil Division info: civil court contacts
3. Official court forms and landlord-tenant process: Vermont Court Forms for Landlord Tenant Cases

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