An eviction is a court action to LEGALLY remove the tenant from a rented unit. As in most states, a Vermont landlord cannot "lock you out" of your rented unit, turn off the heat, water or other utilities, or remove the tenants belongings without FIRST going through the Vermont Eviction process.

In the Vermont Eviction process, a landlord must give a written eviction notice to the tenant. The notice in most states is usually called a "Notice of Termination of Tenancy" or a "Notice to Quit." The type of notice the landlord is required to give a tenant depends upon the grounds for the eviction. Possible causes for eviction:

Eviction for Nonpayment of Rent
If the landlord's reason for evicting the tenant is that the tenant has not paid some or all of the rent owed the eviction notice must be in writing. The date given in the notice to pay back rent or leave (the "termination date") must be at least 14 days from the date you receive the notice. The notice does not have to be served by a sheriff or other law enforcement officer in Vermont.

IMPORTANT: It is extremely important to respond in writing before the deadline on any notice you receive. DO NOT IGNORE ANY NOTICE.  If a tenant responds in time, they will have the opportunity to have their day in court.  

The Landlord and Tenant both have an opportunity to come to an agreement before the court.