Vermont § 4473 - Right to change locks; other security measures Notwithstanding any contrary provision of a rental agreement or of subchapter 2 of this chapter:
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 4473 — Right to change locks; other security measures Notwithstanding any contrary provision of a rental agreement or of subchapter 2 of this chapter:, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4473. Right to change locks; other security measures Notwithstanding any contrary provision of a rental agreement or of subchapter 2 of this chapter:
- (1) Subject to subdivision (2) of this subsection, a protected tenant may request that
a landlord change the locks of a dwelling unit within 48 hours following the request: (A) based on a fear of imminent harm to any protected tenant due to abuse, sexual assault,
or stalking; or (B) 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 request. (2) If the perpetrator of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking is also a tenant in the dwelling
unit, the protected tenant shall include with his or her request a copy of a court
order that requires the perpetrator to leave the premises. (3) If the landlord changes the locks as requested, the landlord shall provide a key to
the new locks to each tenant of the dwelling unit, not including the perpetrator of
the abuse, sexual assault, or stalking who is subject to a court order to leave the
premises. (4) If the landlord does not change the locks as requested, the protected tenant may change
the locks without the landlord’s prior knowledge or permission, provided that the
protected tenant shall: (A) ensure that the new locks, and the quality of the installation, equal or exceed the
quality of the original; (B) notify the landlord of the change within 24 hours of installation; and (C) provide the landlord with a key to the new locks. (5) Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, a protected tenant is responsible for the
costs of installation of new locks pursuant to this section. (6)(A) A protected tenant may request permission of a landlord to install additional security
measures on the premises, including a security system or security camera. (B) A protected tenant:
Source: official Vermont text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 4473
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 4473 cover?
Section 4473 ("Right to change locks; other security measures Notwithstanding any contrary provision of a rental agreement or of subchapter 2 of this chapter:") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Vermont § 4473?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 4473" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Vermont law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.
How does Vermont § 4473 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.