Vermont Tenant-Landlord Dispute Arbitration: What Renters Should Know

If you’re a renter in Vermont facing challenges like lease disputes, maintenance issues, or eviction threats, it’s reassuring to know there are official ways to resolve conflicts with your landlord. Vermont offers tenant-landlord arbitration and mediation options intended to help both parties reach a fair, binding agreement outside court. This guide explains the basics, official forms, where to get help, and the rights you have as a renter under Vermont law.

Understanding Tenant-Landlord Dispute Resolution in Vermont

Vermont does not have a dedicated, statewide tenant-landlord tribunal like some other states. However, several mediation and arbitration programs are available through local courts, as well as community justice centers and the Vermont Judiciary. These options can often resolve issues more quickly than traditional court proceedings.

Common Issues Handled by Arbitration and Mediation

• Disputes over rent increases or payment
• Problems with repairs and maintenance
• Questions over security deposit returns
• Eviction notices or lease terminations

Arbitration means a neutral third party hears both sides and issues a binding decision. Mediation is a voluntary process where an impartial mediator helps both sides negotiate a mutually agreeable solution.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Vermont?

Residential tenancy issues in Vermont are usually settled in the Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division, with many cases also eligible for community-based mediation services. The Vermont Judiciary oversees these options statewide.

Relevant Vermont Tenant Law

Your rights as a renter are protected by Vermont Statutes Title 9, Chapter 137 (the Residential Rental Agreements Act)¹. This legislation covers security deposits, notice requirements, eviction procedures, habitability, retaliation protections, and more.

Official Vermont Forms for Rental Disputes

Most dispute processes start in court or with mediation/justice centers. Here are key forms renters may need:

• Complaint Form (Small Claims):
  • Form Name: Small Claims Complaint
  • When Used: If you're seeking money (e.g., deposit return), file this in Vermont Superior Court’s Small Claims Division.
  • Example: If your landlord refuses to return your security deposit after you move out.
  • Download from the Vermont Judiciary
• Answer Form (Small Claims Response):
  • Form Name: Small Claims Answer
  • When Used: If your landlord files a claim against you, use this to respond.
  • Example: You receive a small claims notice saying you owe rent — file your side of the story.
  • Official Small Claims Answer
• Eviction Complaint and Answer:
  • Form Name: Complaint for Ejectment (Eviction)
  • When Used: If an eviction case has started, tenants can respond with their answer.
  • Example: You were served with a Summons and Complaint for Ejectment, use the court-provided answer form to share your perspective.
  • Sample Ejectment Complaint

Mediation doesn’t have a statewide official form — your local Restorative or Community Justice Center can help you request mediation if both parties agree.

How Arbitration and Mediation Work in Practice

• Arbitration: Less common in Vermont housing, but available if both parties agree — usually through private mediators or at a judge’s suggestion.
• Mediation: Supported by the Vermont Superior Court, Justice Centers, and the Vermont Landlord Association.

How to Begin the Dispute Resolution Process

Here's how Vermont renters can get started with mediation or file a dispute with the court:

• Contact your local Community Justice Center to request mediation for landlord-tenant conflicts.
• If mediation doesn't resolve your issue, consider filing in the Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division or Small Claims Court, using the Complaint forms above.
• If you receive a legal notice, respond promptly with the correct Answer form to protect your rights.

Always keep documentation of communications and agreements with your landlord.

FAQs About Resolving Rental Disputes in Vermont

1. Do Vermont renters have a right to mediation or arbitration before eviction?
   While mediation is available and often encouraged, it is not a required legal step. Some courts may offer or suggest it before moving forward with eviction.
2. Is a mediation agreement legally binding in Vermont?
   If both parties sign a written agreement created during mediation, it is generally considered binding and enforceable under contract law.
3. What happens if mediation fails?
   If you cannot resolve your dispute in mediation, you can still go to court and use formal complaint and answer forms to have a judge decide your case.
4. Are there fees for filing a small claims dispute?
   Yes, there are modest fees for filing in Small Claims Court. If you have financial hardship, you can apply to have the fee waived using the Application to Waive Filing Fees.
5. Where can I find Vermont’s tenant laws?
   All relevant residential rental laws are online in the Vermont Statutes, Title 9, Chapter 137.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

• Mediation and court-based solutions are available to Vermont renters facing disputes with landlords.
• Always respond to any legal complaint or eviction notice with the correct official form.
• State laws under Vermont’s Residential Rental Agreements Act protect your basic tenant rights.

Resolving disputes quickly is possible with the right processes and support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Judiciary (Courts and Forms): Official court procedures, forms, and contact info.
• Vermont Community Justice Centers: Free or low-cost mediation for landlord-tenant disputes.
• Vermont Legal Aid—Housing: Renter rights advice and legal help if you have low income.
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act: Official statutes for tenant and landlord law.

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1. Vermont Statutes Title 9, Chapter 137 – Residential Rental Agreements
2. Vermont Small Claims Complaint Form
3. Vermont Small Claims Answer Form
4. Complaint for Ejectment (Eviction) Form
5. Application to Waive Filing Fees

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