9 V.S.A. § ___ § 4464
Remedies for illegal evictions
Operative Text
(a) Any tenant who sustains damage or injury as a result of an illegal eviction may bring an action for injunctive relief, damages, costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees. (b) A court may award reasonable attorney’s fees to the landlord if, upon motion and hearing, it is determined that the action was not brought in good faith and was frivolous or intended for harassment only. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
Under 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 § 4464, Vermont law provides a civil remedy for tenants who suffer harm from an illegal eviction, allowing them to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees through the courts. At the same time, the provision creates a reciprocal protection for landlords: if a court finds that a tenant's lawsuit was not brought in good faith and was either frivolous or intended solely for harassment, the court may award the landlord reasonable attorney's fees. This two-sided framework is designed to deter both unlawful evictions and bad-faith litigation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Vermont should be aware that § 4464 of Title 9 exposes them to civil liability—including damages, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees—if a tenant successfully demonstrates that an eviction was carried out illegally. Compliant operators generally ensure that every step of the eviction process follows Vermont's statutory procedures before taking any action to remove a tenant. Landlords who believe they have been subjected to a frivolous or harassing lawsuit under this section may petition the court for an award of their own attorney's fees through a formal motion and hearing process.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Vermont's 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 § 4464 gives tenants who have been illegally evicted the right to pursue a court action seeking to stop the eviction, recover monetary damages, and obtain reimbursement for court costs and reasonable attorney's fees. Tenants who believe they have experienced an illegal eviction may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Vermont housing law to understand the options available under this provision. Because § 4464 includes a good-faith requirement, tenants should be prepared to demonstrate that any claim they bring is grounded in a genuine belief that the eviction was unlawful.
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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