12 V.S.A. § ___ § 4854
Judgment for plaintiff; writ of possession
Operative Text
If the court finds that the plaintiff is entitled to possession of the premises, the plaintiff shall have judgment for possession and rents due, damages, and costs, and when a written rental agreement so provides, the court may award reasonable attorney’s fees. A writ of possession shall issue on the date judgment is entered, unless the court for good cause orders a stay. The writ shall direct any sheriff to serve the writ upon the defendant and, not earlier than 14 days after the writ is served, to put the plaintiff into possession. (Amended 1979, No. 2, § 1, eff. Feb. 14, 1979; 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1999, No. 115 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 52; 2017, No. 11, § 19; 2025, No. 13, § 1, eff. May 5, 2025.)
Under 12 V.S.A. ch. 169 § 4854, when a Vermont court rules in favor of a plaintiff in an eviction proceeding, the court issues a judgment that can include possession of the property, any unpaid rent, damages, and court costs. If the rental agreement is written and includes an attorney's fees clause, the court may also award those fees. A writ of possession is issued on the day judgment is entered, though the court may delay it for good cause, and a sheriff must wait at least 14 days after serving the writ before physically transferring possession to the plaintiff.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers pursuing an eviction in Vermont should be aware that a favorable court ruling under 12 V.S.A. ch. 169 § 4854 can result in a judgment covering not only possession but also unpaid rent, damages, and costs. Operators who use written rental agreements that include an attorney's fees provision may be eligible to seek those fees as part of the judgment. Compliant landlords generally ensure their documentation is in order before proceeding, understanding that even after judgment, a sheriff cannot execute the writ of possession until at least 14 days after it is served on the tenant.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 12 V.S.A. ch. 169 § 4854, tenants have a minimum of 14 days after the writ of possession is served before a sheriff can remove them from the property, providing a window to make arrangements or explore options. Tenants may have grounds to ask the court for a 'good cause' stay, which could delay the writ's issuance beyond the judgment date. Those facing eviction proceedings in Vermont may benefit from contacting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand how this provision applies to their circumstances.
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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