Vermont Renters: Stop Unannounced Landlord Visits Legally

If you rent in Vermont, your home is your sanctuary. But what if your landlord enters without asking? Vermont law protects your privacy and sets clear rules on how and when a landlord can access your rental. Understanding these rights puts you in control and helps you maintain a respectful, secure living space.

Your Right to Privacy in Vermont Rentals

Vermont law requires landlords to respect your right to privacy. According to 9 V.S.A. § 4460 - Access, a landlord must provide at least 48 hours’ notice before entering your rental unit, except in emergencies. Visits must also occur at reasonable times and for legitimate reasons, such as repairs, inspections, or to show the property to a new tenant or buyer.^[1]

When Can Your Landlord Enter?

• To make repairs (with 48 hours' notice)
• For inspections (with notice)
• To show the unit to prospective renters or buyers (with notice)
• In emergencies, such as fire, water leak, or urgent repairs (no prior notice required)

Unexpected visits that do not fit these scenarios or without proper notice are not allowed.

What to Do if Your Landlord Comes Without Notice

If your landlord enters your home without giving proper notice, you do not have to accept this behavior. You can take several steps to protect your privacy and resolve the issue calmly and legally:

Step 1: Communicate Directly

• Politely remind your landlord of Vermont's 48-hour notice law.
• Document each incident, noting the date, time, and what happened.

Step 2: Send a Written Request

• Use a Written Notice Objecting to Unlawful Entry (no official state form required).
• Clearly state your request for 48 hours’ notice in writing. Keep a copy for your records.
• Example: "Dear [Landlord Name], I respectfully request that you provide at least 48 hours’ notice before entering my rental, as required by Vermont law (9 V.S.A. § 4460)."

Written requests can often stop the problem without further action.

Step 3: File a Complaint or Take Further Action

• If the problem continues, you may file a complaint with Vermont’s small claims court or seek mediation.
• The Vermont Superior Court - Civil Division handles landlord/tenant disputes.

Depending on your situation, you may also have the right to end your lease or request damages if your privacy is repeatedly violated.

Relevant Forms and Where to Find Help

• Small Claims Complaint Form (Form 400-00155): File this if you want the court to resolve the issue or seek damages. Submit it to your county’s Superior Court.
  Example: If your landlord repeatedly enters your apartment without notice and conversations have not resolved it, you can use this form to start a legal case.
• No statewide form is required to ask your landlord to stop unannounced entry—your written letter or email is sufficient. Make sure to date and keep a copy.

The official tribunal for landlord/tenant matters is the Vermont Superior Court - Civil Division.

What Vermont Law Says About Landlord Entry

• The main tenancy legislation is Vermont Residential Rental Agreements (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137).
• The specific section covering entry is 9 V.S.A. § 4460.

This regulation outlines your rights and your landlord’s duties. You can read more about your rights directly from the Vermont Department for Children and Families - Renters Section.

FAQ: Vermont Renters’ Rights on Privacy and Landlord Entry

1. How much notice must my landlord give before entering?
   Vermont law requires 48 hours’ written or verbal notice before entry, except in emergencies.
2. What counts as an emergency for landlord entry?
   Life-threatening or urgent repairs (like burst pipes or fire) are considered emergencies and do not need advance notice.
3. Can I refuse entry if I’m not given proper notice?
   Yes, if your landlord has not provided 48 hours’ notice and it is not an emergency, you have the right to refuse entry.
4. What can I do if my landlord keeps coming in unannounced?
   You can send a written request, document each incident, and file a complaint with the Vermont Superior Court if necessary.
5. Do I need a specific form to complain about unannounced entry?
   No special form is needed to notify your landlord. For legal complaints, use the Small Claims Complaint Form (Form 400-00155).

Key Takeaways

• Vermont law requires landlords to give at least 48 hours’ notice before entering your rental.
• Keep records of any unannounced visits and communicate clearly with your landlord in writing.
• Use the Small Claims Complaint Form if you need to escalate the issue legally.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Department for Children and Families – Renters’ Rights
• Vermont Superior Court - Civil Division (handles rental disputes)
• Vermont Law Help: Renters (free legal guidance for tenants)
• Call Vermont Legal Aid at 1-800-889-2047 for confidential legal support

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1. 9 V.S.A. § 4460 – Access, Vermont Legislature
2. Vermont DCF – Renters' Rights
3. Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division
4. Vermont Small Claims Complaint Form
5. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137)

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