In Vermont, a landlord’s right to access is governed by 9 V.S.A. § 4460. While landlords have a right to maintain their property, Vermont law is specific about the timing and notice required to protect tenant privacy.
Notice Requirements
For non-emergencies (inspections, repairs, or showing the unit), the landlord must:
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Provide at least 48 hours’ notice.
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Enter only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
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Have a legitimate purpose, such as necessary repairs, supplying agreed services, or exhibiting the unit to prospective tenants or buyers.
When Permission is NOT Required
A landlord may enter without the tenant’s consent or notice only in the following case:
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Emergencies: If the landlord has a “reasonable belief that there is imminent danger to any person or to property” (e.g., fire, gas leak, or major flooding).
Tenant Rights
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Consent: You cannot “unreasonably withhold” consent if the landlord provides the required 48-hour notice and seeks entry for a lawful purpose.
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Unlawful Entry: If a landlord enters without notice (outside of an emergency) or enters outside the 9-to-9 window, it may be considered unlawful trespass.
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Remedies: Tenants can seek court injunctions to stop harassment or recover actual damages and attorney’s fees for repeated privacy violations.
The information for this answer was found on our Vermont Landlord Tenant Rights answers.