Vermont Statewide Rule
Vermont Landlord Entry Notice (9 V.S.A. § 4460)
Key Facts
- Advance notice
- At least 48 hours
- Permitted hours
- 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Emergency entry
- Allowed without notice
- Tenant consent
- May not be unreasonably withheld
- Statute
- 9 V.S.A. § 4460
Summary
Vermont requires landlords to give at least 48 hours' notice before entering a rental unit, and entry must occur at reasonable times between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. A landlord may enter without notice only in an emergency or with the tenant's consent, which cannot be unreasonably withheld.
(a) A landlord may enter the dwelling unit with the tenant's consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. (b) A landlord may also enter the dwelling unit for the following purposes between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. on no less than 48 hours' notice: (1) when necessary to inspect the premises; (2) to make necessary or agreed repairs, alterations, or improvements; (3) to supply agreed services; or (4) to exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors. (c) A landlord may only enter the dwelling unit without consent or notice when the landlord has a reasonable belief that there is imminent danger to any person or to property.
Full Breakdown
Under 9 V.S.A. § 4460(a), a landlord may enter a dwelling unit to inspect, make repairs or improvements, supply services, or show the unit to prospective tenants, buyers, or contractors, but "except in case of emergency or unless impracticable, the landlord shall give the tenant at least 48 hours' notice of his or her intent to enter and shall enter only at reasonable times." The statute fixes those reasonable times as "between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m." A landlord may enter without the 48-hour notice only with the tenant's consent, which "shall not be unreasonably withheld," or when there is a reasonable belief of imminent danger to persons or property. A landlord who abuses the right of entry or uses it to harass the tenant may be liable for damages.
Violations & Penalties
No fixed statutory fine. A landlord who makes unlawful entry, or repeated demands for entry to harass the tenant, may be subject to an action for damages and injunctive relief, and abuse of entry can support a tenant's claim under § 4460.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice must a Vermont landlord give before entering?
Can a Vermont landlord enter without notice?
Sources
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