9 V.S.A. § ___ § 4472
Right to terminate rental agreement
Operative Text
(a) Notwithstanding a contrary provision of a rental agreement or of subchapter 2 of this chapter, a protected tenant may terminate a rental agreement pursuant to subsection (b) of this section without penalty or liability if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to vacate a dwelling unit: (1) based on a fear of imminent harm to any protected tenant due to abuse, sexual assault, or stalking; or (2) if any protected tenant was a victim of sexual assault that occurred on the premises within the six months preceding the date of his or her notice of termination. (b) Not less than 30 days before the date of termination, the protected tenant shall provide to the landlord: (1) a written notice of termination; and (2) documentation from one or more of the following sources supporting his or her reasonable belief that it is necessary to vacate the dwelling unit: (A) a court, law enforcement, or other government agency; (B) an abuse, sexual assault, or stalking assistance program; (C) a legal, clerical, medical, or other professional from whom the tenant, or the minor or dependent of the tenant, received counseling or other assistance concerning abuse, sexual assault, or stalking; or (D) a self-certification of a protected tenant’s status as a victim of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, signed under penalty of perjury, on a standard form adopted for that purpose by: (i) a federal or State government entity, including the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Vermont Department for Children and Families; or (ii) a nonprofit organization that provides support services to protected tenants. (c) A notice of termination provided pursuant to subsection (b) of this section may be revoked and the rental agreement shall remain in effect if: (1)(A) the protected tenant provides a written notice to the landlord revoking the notice of termination; and (B) the landlord has not entered into a rental agreement with another tenant prior to the date of the revocation; or (2)(A) the protected tenant has not vacated the premises as of the date of termination; and (B) the landlord has not entered into a rental agreement with another tenant prior to the date of termination. (Added 2019, No. 48, § 2.)
Vermont law under 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 § 4472 allows certain tenants—called 'protected tenants'—to end a rental agreement early, without facing penalties or liability, if they have a reasonable belief that leaving is necessary due to a fear of imminent harm from abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, or if a sexual assault occurred on the premises within the prior six months. To exercise this right, the tenant must give the landlord at least 30 days' written notice along with supporting documentation from an approved source, such as a court, law enforcement agency, assistance program, or a signed self-certification. The notice of termination can be revoked under specific conditions, such as if the tenant has not yet vacated and the landlord has not yet rented to a new tenant.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 § 4472, landlords who receive a termination notice from a protected tenant should verify that the notice is in writing, accompanied by qualifying documentation, and given at least 30 days before the stated termination date. Compliant operators generally refrain from charging early-termination fees or pursuing liability claims against a protected tenant who follows the statutory process. Landlords should also be aware that a valid notice of termination may be revoked in writing before the termination date, provided no new rental agreement has been signed with another tenant.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 § 4472 gives protected tenants the right to exit a lease early—without penalties—when leaving is reasonably necessary due to abuse, sexual assault, or stalking. Tenants generally exercise this right by providing written notice and qualifying documentation at least 30 days in advance. Those unsure about what documentation qualifies or how to proceed may find guidance through a local tenant-rights organization or a legal aid office familiar with Vermont housing law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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