Can my landlord require me to leave for repairs?

Yes, if repairs make your unit unsafe, your landlord may ask you to temporarily relocate. You may be entitled to compensation or rent reduction during this time.

What if my landlord ignores my repair request?

You may file a written complaint with your local housing authority or health office, and if needed, take your landlord to Vermont Small Claims Court.

Do I have to pay full rent during disruptive repairs?

No. If your home is uninhabitable, you can request a partial or full rent abatement until repairs are completed.

How much notice does my landlord need to give before repairs?

Landlords must generally provide at least 48 hours’ notice before entering for repairs, unless it's an emergency.

Where can I find Vermont’s tenant protection laws?

See the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (Title 9, Chapter 137) for full tenant protections.

Vermont Tenant Rights During Building Repairs

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Vermont published: June 21, 2025

If you rent in Vermont and your building is undergoing repairs, you may wonder about your rights, your landlord’s obligations, and the protections available to you. Vermont law provides important safeguards for renters during repair periods to help ensure your safety, comfort, and legal standing. This article breaks down your key rights, what your landlord is required to do, and the steps you can take if repairs disrupt your home.

Understanding Your Rights During Building Repairs in Vermont

Vermont tenants have clear protections when a building needs repairs or maintenance. Landlords must keep rental properties "fit and habitable"—that means providing safe, healthy living conditions as outlined in the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act. Tenants are entitled to the continued use of essential services like heat, water, electricity, and reasonable access to their home, even during scheduled repairs.^[1]

Landlord Obligations During Repairs

Notice Requirement: Your landlord must give you "reasonable notice" before entering your unit for repairs—usually at least 48 hours unless there’s an emergency.
Minimizing Disruption: Repairs should be carried out at reasonable hours to reduce impact on your daily life.
Access to Essentials: The landlord must maintain basic utilities and essential services as much as possible during repairs.
Habitability: If repairs make the unit unsafe or unlivable, you may have the right to temporarily relocate or ask for a rent reduction (called "rent abatement").

Landlords cannot retaliate against you (such as raising rent, reducing services, or evicting) simply because you ask for repairs or assert your rights.^[2]

Temporary Relocation and Rent Abatement

If repairs make your rental uninhabitable—meaning you cannot safely stay in your unit—the landlord may need to offer temporary relocation or reduce your rent until the unit is fixed. This only applies if the problems significantly affect your safety or ability to use and enjoy the property.

If you must move out, clarify with your landlord in writing about compensation or alternate accommodations.
You may request a rent reduction (rent abatement) for the time your home was unlivable due to repairs.

Be sure to keep all documentation, such as repair notices, correspondence, and photos, in case you need to prove your case later.

Filing a Repair Complaint: Vermont Tenant Actions

If your landlord fails to make needed repairs after reasonable notice, you have the right to file a formal complaint. Here’s how Vermont renters can respond:

Written Notice: First, send your landlord a clear written request for repairs.
If repairs are not made, consider filing a complaint with your local Vermont housing authority or contacting your town’s code enforcement office.
In cases of severe violations, you can pursue action through the Vermont Superior Court Civil Division – Small Claims or the appropriate court for your situation.

Official Forms for Vermont Renters

Vermont Complaint Form – Habitability (No official number): Use this form to notify your landlord and/or the local housing or health officer about habitability or code violations. For example, if repairs leave your apartment without heat in winter, submit this to prompt enforcement. Download the Housing Complaint Form (Vermont Department of Health)
Small Claims Complaint Form (Form 100-00121): If damages are under $5,000 and the landlord has not addressed repair issues, tenants can file using this form. Access the Vermont Small Claims Complaint Form

For more information and form instructions, see the Vermont Judiciary Court Forms page.

Tip: Always put requests and complaints in writing and keep copies for your records.

FAQ: Vermont Tenant Protections During Building Repairs

Can my landlord require me to leave for repairs?
In some cases, if repairs make the unit unsafe, your landlord may ask you to temporarily relocate. You may be entitled to compensation or a rent reduction during this period.
What if my landlord ignores my repair request?
You can file a written complaint with your local health or code office and, if necessary, take your landlord to Vermont Small Claims Court.
Do I still have to pay full rent if repairs disrupt my home?
If your rental is partly or fully uninhabitable due to repairs, you can ask for a partial or full rent abatement until the problem is fixed.
How much notice does my landlord have to give for repairs?
Generally, your landlord must provide at least 48 hours’ notice before entering, unless it’s an emergency.
Where can I find official laws about renter protections in Vermont?
The Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act covers your rights. See Vermont Statutes Title 9, Chapter 137.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

Vermont law requires landlords to keep rentals safe and livable during repairs.
Tenants may be entitled to temporary rehousing, compensation, and rent reduction if repairs cause major disruption.
Always use official forms and document your requests and complaints in writing.

Staying informed and proactive helps Vermont renters get needed repairs while protecting your legal rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development: Statewide housing info, complaint options, and tenant support.
Vermont Superior Court Civil Division – Small Claims: For filing legal actions regarding repairs or rent abatement.
Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act: Complete legislation governing tenant and landlord rights.
Vermont Legal Aid – Tenants' Rights: Free legal information and help for Vermont renters.