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EspañolCan I ask my landlord to change the locks?
You can ask your landlord to change the locks of your home within 48 hours based on:
- your fear of immediate (imminent) harm due to abuse, sexual assault, or stalking; or
- the fact that you were a victim of sexual assault that occurred on the premises within six months before the request.1
If the abuser is also a tenant in your home, you must have a court order, such as a relief from abuse order, that requires the abuser to leave the home. You’d have to give the landlord a copy of that order with your lock change request.2
If the landlord changes the locks as requested, the landlord should provide you and any other tenants, except for the abuser, with keys to the new locks.3
1 VT ST 9 § 4473(1)
2 VT ST 9 § 4473(2)
3 VT ST 9 § 4473(3)
If my landlord does not change the locks, can I do it?
If your landlord does not change the locks after you ask them to, you may change the locks without the landlord’s prior knowledge or permission, as long as you:
- ensure that the new locks and the quality of the installation are equal to or better than the quality of the original locks and installation;
- notify the landlord within 24 hours after the installation; and
- provide the landlord with the keys to the new locks.1
You are responsible for the costs of the installation and the new locks unless you have agreed otherwise with your landlord.2
1 VT ST 9 § 4473(4)
2 VT ST 9 § 4473(5)
Can I install security cameras or other security measures?
You can ask your landlord for permission to install additional security measures, such as a security system or security camera. Your landlord should not unreasonably turn down your request.1
If you want to install a security system, you should:
- make your request at least seven days before installation;
- ensure the quality and safety of the security measures and their installation;
- pay for the costs of the installation and operation of the security system; and
- be liable for any damages resulting from the installation.2
1 VT ST 9 § 4473(6)(A), (6)(C)
2 VT ST 9 § 4473(B)
