12 V.S.A. § ___ § 4912
Trial of forcible entry and detainer
Operative Text
A district judge may inquire by a jury against those who make unlawful and forcible entry into lands, tenements, or other possessions and with strong hand detain the same, and against those who, having made a lawful and peaceable entry into lands and tenements, unlawfully and by force hold the same. (Amended 1973, No. 249 (Adj. Sess.), § 31, eff. April 9, 1974.)
Vermont law under 12 V.S.A. ch. 171 § 4912 establishes a legal process by which a district judge can convene a jury to examine two distinct situations: first, when someone forcibly and unlawfully enters property and then holds it by force; and second, when someone enters property lawfully and peacefully but then uses force or unlawful means to retain possession. The provision covers both residential and other types of real property, including lands and tenements. It creates a formal judicial mechanism for resolving disputes involving forcible entry or forcible detainer of property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 12 V.S.A. ch. 171 § 4912, Vermont property owners have access to a court-based remedy when someone unlawfully and forcibly occupies or retains their property. Operators who believe an unlawful occupant is holding their property by force generally document the circumstances of the entry and retention and pursue the formal judicial process this provision authorizes. Maintaining clear records of lawful ownership or tenancy agreements can support a proceeding before a district judge under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Vermont's 12 V.S.A. ch. 171 § 4912 also applies to situations where a person who entered property lawfully is accused of holding it by unlawful force, meaning tenants can be subject to a forcible detainer inquiry before a district judge and jury. Tenants who receive notice of such a proceeding generally have the opportunity to present their side of the case, including evidence of a lawful right to remain on the property. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Vermont housing law can help tenants understand how this provision may apply 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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation