9 V.S.A. § ___ § 4473
Right to change locks; other security measures
Operative Text
Notwithstanding any contrary provision of a rental agreement or of subchapter 2 of this chapter: (1) Subject to subdivision (2) of this subsection, a protected tenant may request that a landlord change the locks of a dwelling unit within 48 hours following the request: (A) based on a fear of imminent harm to any protected tenant due to abuse, sexual assault, or stalking; or (B) 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 request. (2) If the perpetrator of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking is also a tenant in the dwelling unit, the protected tenant shall include with his or her request a copy of a court order that requires the perpetrator to leave the premises. (3) If the landlord changes the locks as requested, the landlord shall provide a key to the new locks to each tenant of the dwelling unit, not including the perpetrator of the abuse, sexual assault, or stalking who is subject to a court order to leave the premises. (4) If the landlord does not change the locks as requested, the protected tenant may change the locks without the landlord’s prior knowledge or permission, provided that the protected tenant shall: (A) ensure that the new locks, and the quality of the installation, equal or exceed the quality of the original; (B) notify the landlord of the change within 24 hours of installation; and (C) provide the landlord with a key to the new locks. (5) Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, a protected tenant is responsible for the costs of installation of new locks pursuant to this section. (6)(A) A protected tenant may request permission of a landlord to install additional security measures on the premises, including a security system or security camera. (B) A protected tenant: (i) shall submit his or her request not less than seven days prior to installation; (ii) shall ensure the quality and safety of the security measures and of their installation; (iii) is responsible for the costs of installation and operation of the security measures; and (iv) is liable for damages resulting from installation. (C) A landlord shall not unreasonably refuse a protected tenant’s request to install additional security measures pursuant to this subdivision (6). (Added 2019, No. 48, § 2.)
Vermont law under 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 § 4473 gives 'protected tenants'—those facing abuse, sexual assault, or stalking—the right to have their dwelling unit's locks changed within 48 hours of requesting it, overriding any conflicting lease terms. If the abuser is also a co-tenant, a court order requiring that person to vacate must accompany the request. The provision also allows protected tenants to request installation of additional security measures, such as cameras or security systems, which landlords may not unreasonably deny.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 § 4473, compliant landlords respond to a protected tenant's lock-change request within 48 hours and distribute new keys to all tenants except any perpetrator subject to a court removal order. When a protected tenant self-installs locks after a landlord's failure to act, operators generally accept the key the tenant is required to provide and verify that lock quality meets the statutory standard. Landlords also review requests for additional security measures—such as cameras or alarm systems—and document any refusal carefully, since the statute prohibits unreasonable denials.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 4473 of Title 9 of Vermont law gives protected tenants a clear path to enhanced security: you may request a lock change within 48 hours, and if the landlord does not act, you may change the locks yourself as long as you notify the landlord within 24 hours and provide a key. If the person who harmed you is also on the lease, a court order requiring them to leave the premises must accompany your request under § 4473. Tenant-rights organizations in Vermont can explain what qualifies as a 'protected tenant' under this chapter and describe options available if a landlord refuses or delays.
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.
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