Vermont Renters’ Rights When Elevators Stop Working

Living in a Vermont high-rise, elevator reliability is not just a convenience—it's a necessity, especially for renters with disabilities or mobility concerns. If you’ve experienced an elevator outage, knowing your rights and responsibilities as a tenant is crucial for your safety, comfort, and accessibility. This guide explains Vermont-specific rules, your options, and how to take action when your building’s elevator isn’t working as required.

Understanding Vermont Landlord and Tenant Elevator Responsibilities

In Vermont, landlords are required by law to keep rental units in a “fit and habitable condition,” which includes maintaining essential services like elevators in multi-story buildings. If you rely on an elevator to access your unit—particularly if you have a disability—reliable elevator access can be considered a reasonable accommodation under both state and federal law.

• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act requires landlords to keep common areas safe and maintain facilities[1].
• Federal Fair Housing Act protects tenants needing accessible features, including elevators, from disability discrimination.

What Makes an Elevator an “Essential Service”?

An elevator is generally seen as essential in high-rise or multi-story apartment buildings. If it goes out of service and you can’t reasonably access your unit, the landlord must address the issue promptly. Prolonged outages may violate Vermont rental law or disability accommodations law.

What Should Vermont Renters Do During an Elevator Outage?

If your elevator is not working, act quickly. Document everything and communicate clearly with your landlord.

• Notify your landlord or property manager about the outage immediately, in writing (email or letter).
• Describe if you have special needs that make stairs impossible or unsafe.
• Keep a log of when the elevator is down, your communications, and any health or access impacts you experience.

If Your Disability Is Impacted

You can formally request a reasonable accommodation to ensure your continued access (for example, temporary relocation to a lower floor or different accessible unit if available). Under the law, your landlord can’t charge extra fees or deny services because of disability-related needs.

When and How to File a Complaint

If the elevator outage is ongoing or repairs are delayed, Vermont renters have options for protecting their rights.

• File a Complaint with Vermont’s Human Rights Commission: If you believe the outage discriminates based on disability and the landlord hasn’t provided reasonable solutions, file a formal complaint.
• File a Complaint with the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program: For unsafe conditions or ignored repairs, use this resource.

Official Vermont Forms for Renters

• Vermont Human Rights Commission: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  Use when you believe a landlord has failed to provide reasonable accommodations for a disability related to the elevator outage. Example: You need elevator access due to limited mobility and landlord refuses to offer an alternative.
  File a Discrimination Complaint (Online Form)
• Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program: Consumer Complaint Form
  Use to report habitability or safety issues after elevator outages when a landlord does not respond to requests for repairs.
  Consumer Complaint Form

Who Handles Renters' Rights Cases in Vermont?

The official body for landlord-tenant matters in Vermont is the local Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division for your county. For discrimination issues, the Vermont Human Rights Commission accepts and investigates complaints related to housing accessibility and disability accommodations.

Key State Legislation Protecting Your Rights

• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (Title 9, Chapter 137) – Sets out landlord duties for essential services and habitability.
• Vermont Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act (Title 9, Chapter 141) – Prohibits discrimination and governs reasonable accommodations in housing.

Review these laws if you’re unsure about your rights or what “essential services” cover for apartment living.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I can’t access my apartment because the elevator is broken?
   If you cannot safely access your apartment due to an outage, notify your landlord in writing. If you have a disability, request a reasonable accommodation. If the issue isn’t resolved, consider filing a complaint with the Vermont Human Rights Commission.
2. How long can an elevator be out before my landlord is required to act?
   Landlords must make repairs to essential services (like elevators) within a reasonable time. While Vermont law doesn’t set a strict timeline, prompt action is expected for habitability and accessibility.
3. Do I have to keep paying rent if the elevator is broken?
   In most cases, rent is still due. However, if the unit becomes uninhabitable or inaccessible and the landlord fails to act, seek legal advice or contact the Vermont Attorney General’s office for guidance.
4. Can I ask for temporary relocation if I have a disability?
   Yes. If an elevator outage prevents you from safely accessing your apartment due to a disability, you can request relocation or another reasonable accommodation. Document your request in writing.
5. Who enforces elevator safety or accessibility in Vermont rentals?
   The Vermont Human Rights Commission handles housing discrimination. Building code or safety complaints may go to local town officials or the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Human Rights Commission – Report housing discrimination or denial of disability accommodations
• Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program – Report safety concerns or unresolved maintenance issues
• Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division – For formal legal actions or disputes with your landlord
• Vermont Department for Children and Families: Housing – Emergency housing and renter assistance programs

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1. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (Title 9, Chapter 137)
2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Disabilities Under the Fair Housing Act
3. Vermont Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act (Title 9, Chapter 141)

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