VT H0688

H.688 - Residential Eviction Timeline and Process Changes

• Reduces eviction notice periods dramatically: nonpayment of rent from 14 days to 3 days, lease violations from 30 days to 3 days, criminal/drug/violence-related terminations from 14 days to 3 days, and weekly tenancy terminations from 21 days to 3 days.

• Requires defendants to file an answer to ejectment complaints within 5 business days of receiving the complaint, and courts must rule on alternative service motions within 3 days.

• Eliminates tenants' ability to request partial rent payment into court; only full rent payment may be ordered during proceedings.

• Shortens writ of possession execution from 7-14 days after service to 24 hours after issuance, and reduces time landlords must store tenant property from 15 days to immediate disposal after writ service.

• Clarifies that criminal mischief statutes apply to tenants who damage landlord property, allowing landlords to recover damages plus attorney's fees in civil actions.