12 V.S.A. § ___ § 4911
Entry or detainer with force; forcible entry prohibited
Operative Text
A person shall not make entry into lands, tenements, or other possessions, except where entry is given by law; and in such case, not with strong hand nor with multitude of people, but only in a peaceable manner. A person who violates a provision of this section shall be fined as hereinafter provided.
Vermont law under 12 V.S.A. ch. 171 § 4911 prohibits any person from entering land, buildings, or other property by force, intimidation, or with a large group of people. Even when someone has a legal right to enter a property, that entry must be carried out peacefully and without a show of force. Anyone who violates this rule is subject to a fine as set out elsewhere in the same chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 12 V.S.A. ch. 171 § 4911, property owners and managers who have a lawful basis to access or reclaim a property are still required to do so in a calm, peaceful manner. Compliant operators typically rely on formal legal processes—such as court-ordered evictions—rather than attempting to physically reclaim possession through force or by arriving with a large group. Documenting all entry attempts and working through proper legal channels helps demonstrate adherence to this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 4911 of 12 V.S.A. ch. 171 gives tenants protection against forcible or intimidating entries into their homes, even by someone who claims a legal right to enter. If a landlord or other party enters or attempts to enter a rental property using force, threats, or an overwhelming show of numbers, that conduct may constitute a violation subject to fines. Tenants who believe this provision has been violated can explore options such as contacting local law enforcement, reaching out to a tenant-rights organization, or raising the violation in a relevant legal proceeding.
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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