Evictions in Vermont During the COVID-19 Crisis

Look for help now

Don’t wait for a court date or a Writ of Possession. Read the information below. Then see if you can get legal advice.

Vermont Veterans facing eviction or foreclosure can contact the Safely Home project for advice and help.

FAQs about eviction and the end of the Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP) 

Q: I am a tenant and I have used VERAP to pay my rent. Can the landlord evict me just because VERAP is ending?

A: No. If you make sure your rent is paid, you can’t be evicted for non-payment of rent. But remember, if you can’t pay all of your rent on time, your landlord may have grounds to evict you.

  • To evict you for non-payment of rent, your landlord should give you 30 days’ notice. (It could be shorter if the property you live in is not covered by the federal law. 15 U.S.C. 9058.)
  • The notice should give you to the end of your rental period (usually a month) to catch up on rent. If you pay what is due, you can’t be evicted for non-payment of rent. 9 V.S.A. § 4467(a).
  • Learn more about eviction rules and court process at https://vtlawhelp.org/evictions

Q: I live in a motel/hotel. Are eviction rules different?

A: Yes, the rules for residents of motels can be different. It depends on how long you have lived there, and whether Department for Children and Families (DCF) pays the owner for you to stay there.

IF… You have lived in the hotel/motel over 30 days AND if one of the following is true:

  • You self-pay your rent directly to the owner, or
  • VERAP is paying rent assistance, or
  • VERAP is reimbursing you for your short-term motel stay paid by VERAP “Other Expenses Related to Housing” program

THEN…

  • You have the rights of a “tenant” and the owner must follow the requirements of the Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. § 4451) to evict you. This includes giving you written notice to terminate your tenancy.  The number of days of notice depends on the reason for eviction. You can’t be given a non-payment notice unless you are behind on rent.
  • Learn more about eviction rules and court process for tenants at https://vtlawhelp.org/evictions

IF… You have lived in the hotel/motel over 30 days and DCF pays through the Emergency Assistance/General Assistance program

THEN…

IF… You have lived in the hotel/motel for LESS THAN 30 DAYS

THEN…

  • The owner can ask you to leave at any time according to hotel policy.
Updated: May 26, 2023