National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Vermont?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Vermont finish in about 7 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

If the tenant contests: Weeks to a few months, depending on the county.

The Vermont eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    14 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    14 days' actual notice for nonpayment

    From our guide: “Nonpayment: 14 days actual notice (§ 4467(a)).”

  2. 2Court case

    21 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Answer due 21 days after service, then default

    From our guide: “the tenant generally has 21 days after service to file a written answer”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    14 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Sheriff possession no earlier than 14 days after writ served

    From our guide: “the sheriff may not put the landlord into possession earlier than 14 days after the writ is served”

What can slow it down

  • Using the rent-escrow motion under 12 V.S.A. § 4853a can produce a writ of possession without a full trial if the tenant stops paying into court, which is faster than the default/trial timeline shown above; the writ now issues on the judgment date itself under a 2025 amendment, with sheriff possession still at least 14 days after service (7 days if obtained via a rent-escrow default).
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Vermont eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Vermont scores 7 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (balanced).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Vermont attorney before acting.