Statutes: Vermont

(a) Notwithstanding a contrary provision of a rental agreement or of subchapter 2 of this chapter, a protected tenant may terminate a rental agreement pursuant to subsection (b) of this section without penalty or liability if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to vacate a dwelling unit:

(1) based on a fear of imminent harm to any protected tenant due to abuse, sexual assault, or stalking; or

(2) if any protected tenant was a victim of sexual assault that occurred on the premises within the six months preceding the date of his or her notice of termination.

(b) Not less than 30 days before the date of termination, the protected tenant shall provide to the landlord:

(1) a written notice of termination; and

(2) documentation from one or more of the following sources supporting his or her reasonable belief that it is necessary to vacate the dwelling unit:

(A) a court, law enforcement, or other government agency;

(B) an abuse, sexual assault, or stalking assistance program;

(C) a legal, clerical, medical, or other professional from whom the tenant, or the minor or dependent of the tenant, received counseling or other assistance concerning abuse, sexual assault, or stalking; or

(D) a self-certification of a protected tenant’s status as a victim of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, signed under penalty of perjury, on a standard form adopted for that purpose by:

(i) a federal or State government entity, including the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Vermont Department for Children and Families; or

(ii) a nonprofit organization that provides support services to protected tenants.

(c) A notice of termination provided pursuant to subsection (b) of this section may be revoked and the rental agreement shall remain in effect if:

(1)(A) the protected tenant provides a written notice to the landlord revoking the notice of termination; and

(B) the landlord has not entered into a rental agreement with another tenant prior to the date of the revocation; or

(2)(A) the protected tenant has not vacated the premises as of the date of termination; and

(B) the landlord has not entered into a rental agreement with another tenant prior to the date of termination.