Legal Services Vermont
Free civil legal advice by phone, mail or email, and some referrals or representation.
Official page: legalservicesvt.org
Free Legal Help and Tenant Rights in Vermont: Eviction, Benefits and Shelter
Free civil legal help in Vermont from Legal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid through VTLawHelp: eviction steps, rent help from Community Action, and what to do if you are denied shelter.
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Hi friend. If you got a notice, a court paper, or a denial letter, don't wait. Free legal help is here, and acting early gives you more choices.
Quick answers
Where do I start for free legal help?
Go to VTLawHelp.org, the one stop site from Legal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid. It has a Legal Help Tool, guides and forms. You can also call 800 889 2047 or fill out the form so they call you back. This is for civil, not criminal, cases.
Official page: vtlawhelp.org/homeless-shelters-and-help-homeless-people
Can my landlord just make me leave?
No. You cannot be evicted until the whole court process is over and you have a court order. Your landlord must first give you proper written notice that your tenancy is ending, and must have legal grounds.
Official page: vtlawhelp.org/evictions
What do I do if I get court papers?
Answer in writing to just about every court paper from the landlord or their lawyer. Deadlines can be as short as 5 days or as long as 30 days. Do not ignore court papers, and ask for help right away.
Official page: vtlawhelp.org/evictions
Is there help paying back rent?
Local Community Action Programs run the Housing Opportunity Program Grant (HOP). It may help with back rent, first month's rent, security deposits, utilities, moving costs or short term rental help. Funds are limited and for rental housing only. Capstone Community Action in Barre is at 802 479 1053.
Official page: vtlawhelp.org/evictions
What if I'm denied shelter or emergency housing?
Fill out the VTLawHelp form and they will call you back, or call 800 889 2047. If you are a veteran facing eviction or foreclosure, you can also contact the South Royalton Legal Clinic at VLGS.
Official page: vtlawhelp.org/homeless-shelters-and-help-homeless-people
Your next steps
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Bunkly tip: keep every notice and court paper in one folder or bag. Take photos of them with your phone if you can.
Who to call in Vermont
Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
VTLawHelp.org
Legal Help Tool, guides, forms and sample letters from Legal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid.
Official page: vtlawhelp.org
VTLawHelp, Evictions in Vermont
Step by step eviction information and how to answer court papers.
Official page: vtlawhelp.org/evictions
Capstone Community Action
A Community Action Program. Ask if HOP funds are available for back rent or a deposit.
Official page: vtlawhelp.org/evictions
Health Care Advocate Helpline
Help with health care questions and problems. Listed by the Vermont Foodbank.
Official page: vtfoodbank.org/access-food/additional-resources
More help in Vermont
Housing help in Vermont (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in Vermont: Where to Start with 211, 3SquaresVT, Medicaid and ShelterEmergency Shelter Tonight in Vermont: Burlington, Barre, Brattleboro and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in Vermont: 3SquaresVT, WIC and Food ShelvesNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in VermontJob Help and Free Job Training in Vermont: Job Centers, JobLink and MoreFree and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Care in Vermont: Medicaid, 988 and ClinicsDomestic Violence Help in Vermont: Safety, Shelter and Legal SupportHelp for Veterans in Vermont: Housing, Crisis Support and VA CareHelp for Youth and Young Adults in Vermont: Shelter, Drop In Centers and Crisis LinesGetting an ID and Replacing Papers in Vermont: DMV, Birth Certificates and MailFree and Low Cost Phones and Internet in Vermont: Lifeline and MoreHow to Make Blessing Bags in Vermont: Heat, Cold and What Neighbors Need
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.