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Early Lease Termination Laws in Vermont

In Vermont, a tenant who reasonably fears imminent harm from abuse, sexual assault or stalking can end a lease without penalty on at least 30 days' written notice with supporting documentation, which can include a signed self-certification.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Vermont at a glance

Domestic violence victims
Yes, 30 days' written notice
Documentation can come from a court, police, a victim assistance program, a professional, or a self-certification signed under penalty of perjury.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Vermont

Can domestic violence or sexual assault victims end a lease early in Vermont?

Yes, 30 days' written notice. Domestic violence victims in Vermont: yes, 30 days' written notice. Documentation can come from a court, police, a victim assistance program, a professional, or a self-certification signed under penalty of perjury.

Where do the Vermont early lease termination laws come from?

The rules above come from Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 9, 4472. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Read the lease first. Many leases contain an early termination clause, a buyout fee or a sublease option that may be easier to use than a statutory right. A statutory right usually applies even if the lease says nothing about it, and a lease generally cannot waive it.

Statutory early termination rights usually come with conditions. Common ones are written notice to the landlord, a minimum notice period, and proof such as a protective order, police report, military orders or a doctor's statement. Keep copies of everything you send and note the date and method of delivery.

If you leave without a statutory right, you may still owe rent until the unit is re-rented or the lease ends. Where a landlord has a duty to mitigate, it must make reasonable efforts to find a new tenant, and the amount you owe is reduced by rent the landlord collects or reasonably could have collected. Returning keys and documenting the condition of the unit can help limit disputes.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.