9 V.S.A. § ___ § 4465
Retaliatory conduct prohibited
Operative Text
(a) A landlord of a residential dwelling unit may not retaliate by establishing or changing terms of a rental agreement or by bringing or threatening to bring an action against a tenant who: (1) has complained to a governmental agency charged with responsibility for enforcement of a building, housing, or health regulation of a violation applicable to the premises materially affecting health and safety; (2) has complained to the landlord of a violation of this chapter; or (3) has organized or become a member of a tenant’s union or similar organization. (b) If the landlord acts in violation of this section, the tenant is entitled to recover damages and reasonable attorney’s fees and has a defense in any retaliatory action for possession. (c) If a landlord serves notice of termination of tenancy on any grounds other than for nonpayment of rent within 90 days after notice by any municipal or State governmental entity that the premises are not in compliance with applicable health or safety regulations, there is a rebuttable presumption that any termination by the landlord is in retaliation for the tenant having reported the noncompliance. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 47.)
Vermont law under 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 § 4465 prohibits residential landlords from retaliating against tenants who report housing, building, or health code violations to a government agency, complain to the landlord about violations of the rental statute, or join a tenant organization. Retaliation can take the form of changing lease terms, initiating or threatening eviction proceedings, or other adverse actions. A special legal presumption applies when a landlord issues a termination notice within 90 days of a government agency finding the property out of compliance with health or safety rules — that timing is treated as evidence of retaliation unless the landlord can prove otherwise.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 § 4465 generally ensure that any lease changes, rent adjustments, or termination notices are grounded in documented, legitimate business reasons entirely unrelated to a tenant's protected activity. Compliant property managers maintain clear records showing the basis for any tenancy actions, particularly when a government inspection or tenant complaint has recently occurred. Because the statute creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation for termination notices issued within 90 days of a government noncompliance finding, well-documented timelines and independent justifications are a standard part of responsible property management practice.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 9 V.S.A. ch. 137 § 4465, Vermont tenants have the right to report code violations, complain about statutory violations, and join tenant organizations without facing adverse landlord action as a consequence. If a landlord responds with changed lease terms, threats, or eviction proceedings, the statute entitles an affected tenant to seek damages and reasonable attorney's fees, and to raise retaliation as a defense in any eviction case. Tenants who receive a termination notice within 90 days of a government agency citing the property for health or safety noncompliance may benefit from the statutory presumption of retaliation, and can explore their options by contacting a local tenant-rights organization or Vermont Legal Aid.
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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