Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 9 § 4458 — § 4458. Habitability; tenant remedies
§ 4458. Habitability; tenant remedies
(a) If the landlord fails to comply with the landlord’s obligations for habitability and,
after receiving actual notice of the noncompliance from the tenant, a governmental
entity or a qualified independent inspector, the landlord fails to make repairs within
a reasonable time and the noncompliance materially affects health and safety, the
tenant may:
(1) withhold the payment of rent for the period of the noncompliance;
(2) obtain injunctive relief;
(3) recover damages, costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees; and
(4) terminate the rental agreement on reasonable notice.
(b) Tenant remedies under this section are not available if the noncompliance was caused
by the negligent or deliberate act or omission of the tenant or a person on the premises
with the tenant’s consent. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1999, No. 115 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.)