Vermont COVID-19 Eviction Protections: What Renters Need to Know

If you’re a renter in Vermont, navigating eviction laws can feel overwhelming—especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Vermont implemented special protections during the pandemic to help renters stay in their homes. While many emergency rules have ended, some important rights and processes remain in effect in 2024. Understanding your current protections is key to staying secure in your rental and taking action if you face eviction.

Understanding COVID-19 Eviction Protections in Vermont

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vermont introduced several emergency eviction protections for renters. These included temporary bans on evictions, additional notice periods, and rental assistance programs. Most state-level emergency orders have expired, but some important tenant protections and assistance remain available to renters.

• Most pandemic-era eviction moratoriums have ended, meaning standard eviction processes now apply.
• Certain hardship-based options and rental assistance are still available for eligible renters who experienced COVID-19 impacts.
• Vermont courts must follow standard due process for eviction, and landlords cannot remove tenants without a court order.

Which Protections Still Help Vermont Renters?

While the broad state moratorium is no longer active, these ongoing supports and rules are in place:

• Eviction must go through court: Landlords cannot physically remove you or lock you out without a legal eviction order from the Vermont Judiciary.
• Notice and Court Rules: Standard notice periods under Vermont law apply, and you have a right to respond and appear in court.
• Rental Assistance Is Available: The Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP) ended new applications, but the Vermont State Housing Authority offers current support and referrals for eligible renters.
• Access to Legal Aid and Mediation: Renters can get free legal help or ask the court for mediation services.

To learn more about Vermont's current tenant protections, see the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act.

Official Forms Renters May Need

• Motion to Dismiss (Form 600-00255):
  • When to Use: If you believe your landlord filed an improper eviction or the notice did not meet legal requirements.
  • Example: Your landlord did not provide the correct notice or reason for eviction. You can submit this form to challenge the eviction in court.
  • Official Vermont Motion to Dismiss Form
• Answer to Complaint (Form 600-00836):
  • When to Use: After receiving a court summons for eviction, you use this form to respond.
  • Example: You wish to explain your side, request mediation, or seek rental assistance. Submit this form to ensure your voice is heard in court.
  • Answer to Complaint Form - Vermont Judiciary
• Request for Mediation:
  • When to Use: If you'd like help resolving the dispute with your landlord outside of court.
  • Example: You fell behind on rent due to COVID-19 and want to work out a payment plan without a formal eviction.
  • Vermont Court Forms: Mediation Request (Select Landlord-Tenant case forms)

How Do Vermont Evictions Work After COVID-19?

The special pandemic bans on eviction are over, but the eviction process still follows strict rules. Here's the typical process:

• Notice: Your landlord must give written notice with a specific time period (for nonpayment, typically 14 days).
• Court Filing: If the issue isn't resolved, the landlord files a case with the court.
• Summons: You receive a court summons and complaint—this starts your chance to respond.
• Hearing: You have the right to attend a hearing and share your side. You may request mediation or legal aid at this stage.
• Order of Eviction: Only a court can order you to leave your home. Landlords cannot change locks or remove your possessions without this order.

Always read notices carefully and respond quickly. For official details, see the Vermont Judiciary: Landlord-Tenant Information.

Tip: If you believe you're being unlawfully evicted, contact Vermont Legal Aid or the court immediately for guidance.

Relevant Vermont Legislation

• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137)
• Vermont Laws on Eviction Procedures (12 V.S.A. Chapter 169)

FAQ: Vermont Eviction Protections and COVID-19

1. Are any COVID-19 eviction bans still in place in Vermont?
   No, Vermont’s state-level eviction moratorium has ended. Standard eviction processes now apply, but court-ordered evictions and legal notice requirements remain.
2. Can my landlord evict me without going to court?
   No. Evictions must go through the court. Your landlord cannot lock you out or remove your belongings without a court order.
3. What should I do if I get an eviction notice?
   Read the notice carefully, check the notice period, and respond using the Answer to Complaint form. Contact Vermont Legal Aid for immediate help.
4. Where can I get help with rent or mediation?
   The Vermont State Housing Authority and Vermont Legal Aid offer rental assistance referrals and mediation services for eligible tenants.
5. Which forms do I need if I want to contest an eviction?
   Use the Motion to Dismiss form if the eviction is improper, or file the Answer to Complaint to tell your side in court.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

• COVID-19 eviction bans in Vermont have ended, but renters still have important rights and must receive a court order before eviction.
• Rental assistance and free legal help are available—use official forms and respond quickly to eviction notices.
• Stay informed and use resources like the Vermont Judiciary and Vermont Legal Aid to protect your housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Judiciary (Evictions/Landlord-Tenant) — Official tribunal for eviction cases.
• Vermont Legal Aid: Housing Help and COVID-19 Updates
• Vermont State Housing Authority: Rental Assistance
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act

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1. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137)
2. Vermont Judiciary: Landlord-Tenant Information and Forms
3. Vermont Legal Aid: Housing and COVID-19
4. Vermont State Housing Authority: Rental Assistance

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