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If you're seeking Vermont rent relief, finding immediate and accurate information is critical. Financial hardship can make paying for housing a significant challenge, but several state and local programs exist to provide support, prevent eviction, and help with costs like security deposits and back rent.
While major pandemic-era programs have ended, ongoing assistance is available through various housing authorities and community organizations. This resource provides a clear path to the help that can be applied for today, starting with the most urgent needs.
A crucial first step for anyone seeking rental assistance in Vermont is to understand the status of the large-scale programs established during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public awareness of these programs remains high, but their operational status has changed.
The Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP), administered by the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA), is now closed. This program no longer accepts new applications for rent or utility assistance. Similarly, the Reach Up Emergency Rental Assistance (RUERA) program, managed by the Department for Children and Families (DCF), has also ended as of June 2023.
The closure of these temporary initiatives marks a return to Vermont's established, long-term housing support systems. While VERAP and RUERA are no longer options, a network of state, local, and non-profit organizations continues to provide housing assistance. The following sections detail the currently active programs.
For individuals and families facing an imminent housing crisis, such as an eviction notice or the risk of homelessness, specific resources are designed to provide immediate intervention. Knowing which door to knock on is the most important step.
Facing an Eviction Notice? Your First Steps
Receiving an eviction notice is a serious legal event that requires immediate action. It is essential to understand that a landlord cannot legally remove a tenant or their belongings, change the locks, or shut off utilities without a court order. The notice itself is the first step in a legal process, not the final word.
Seek Legal Assistance Immediately
The most critical action for a tenant served with an eviction complaint is to seek free legal help.
Explore Landlord-Tenant Mediation
Before an eviction case escalates, mediation can be a powerful tool. Vermont offers a free Landlord-Tenant Mediation program that provides a neutral third party to help tenants and landlords resolve conflicts. This grant-funded service can help both parties find common ground and potentially avoid a court-ordered eviction.
A Financial Lifeline to Stop Eviction: The Landlord Relief Program (LRP)
For evictions filed for non-payment of rent, the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) manages the Landlord Relief Program (LRP). A key component is its Eviction Prevention fund, designed to preserve tenancies by paying a tenant's rent arrears.
Landlords, property managers, or service providers can apply directly to the VSHA on the tenant's behalf. If approved, the fund pays for the back rent, stopping the eviction and allowing the tenancy to continue.
At Risk of Homelessness or Need Emergency Shelter?
For those without a safe place to sleep or on the verge of becoming homeless, the state's emergency response system provides a central point of contact.
The First and Most Important Call: 2-1-1
The statewide, 24-hour hotline, Vermont 211, is the primary access point for anyone needing emergency shelter or housing. By dialing 2-1-1, individuals connect with specialists who can direct them to available local shelters and services. The toll-free number is 1-866-652-4636.
The DCF Emergency Housing Program
The Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) operates an Emergency Housing Program that can provide temporary shelter, often in a hotel or motel. This program is for households that cannot afford housing and have experienced a catastrophic event or include a vulnerable member (such as a child or a person with a disability).
Understanding the Coordinated Entry System
When a person calls 2-1-1 or the DCF Emergency Housing Line, they typically enter a statewide process called Coordinated Entry. This system ensures people experiencing homelessness are assessed consistently. Through this process, an individual may be assigned a housing navigator to help them access programs to find permanent housing.
Local Emergency Shelters
While 2-1-1 is the central access point, numerous local organizations operate emergency shelters across Vermont.
For households behind on rent or struggling with moving costs but not yet facing eviction, direct financial assistance may be available. These programs provide a financial bridge to help families stabilize their housing.
The Housing Opportunity Grant Program (HOP)
The primary source of flexible funding for housing crises is the Housing Opportunity Grant Program (HOP). This state and federally funded grant is administered by the Vermont DCF's Office of Economic Opportunity and helps individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
HOP funds can be used for a variety of housing-related costs, making it a critical tool for both prevention and re-housing efforts. Assistance may cover:
HOP funding is limited, and not every applicant will be approved. Applications are typically reviewed weekly by multi-agency partnerships that assess eligibility and the availability of funds.
How to Access HOP: Your Local Community Action Agency
The state's housing support system operates on a decentralized model. The direct access point for the public is a network of five regional non-profit Community Action Agencies. These agencies are the "front door" for Vermonters seeking financial housing assistance.
To apply for HOP, an individual must contact the Community Action Agency that serves their specific county or town. Each agency has its own intake process and staff who work with applicants to determine eligibility.
| Agency Name | Counties and Major Towns Served | Primary Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| BROC - Community Action in Southwestern Vermont | Rutland and Bennington Counties | (802) 775-0878 |
| Capstone Community Action | Washington, Orange, and Lamoille Counties; plus specific towns including Granville, Hancock, Pittsfield, Barnard, Bethel, Rochester, Royalton, Sharon, and Stockbridge | (802) 479-1053 |
| Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) | Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) | (802) 862-2771 |
| Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) | Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans Counties | (802) 334-7316 |
| Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) | Windham and Windsor Counties (with some exceptions served by Capstone) | (802) 722-4575 Export to Sheets |
DCF Emergency/General Assistance (EA/GA)
In addition to HOP, the Department for Children and Families offers the Emergency/General Assistance (EA/GA) program. This program serves as a safety net for individuals and families who have an emergency need but do not have the resources to meet it.
EA/GA can help cover essential costs, including housing, fuel, and utilities. Applications are typically made in person at a local DCF district office, and benefits are generally paid directly to vendors, such as a landlord or utility company.
Separate from emergency aid are long-term rental subsidy programs designed to address chronic housing affordability challenges. These programs provide ongoing monthly assistance but are not immediate solutions; most have long waiting lists that can take years.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
The largest rental subsidy program is the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered in Vermont by the VSHA and several local public housing authorities.
The HCV program makes private market housing affordable. An eligible household generally pays 30% to 40% of its income towards rent and utilities, and a voucher covers the remaining portion.
There are two primary forms of Section 8 assistance:
Eligibility and Application Process for Section 8
Eligibility for the Section 8 program is based on a household's annual gross income and family size. HUD sets annual income limits, categorized as extremely low-income (30% of Area Median Income, or AMI), very low-income (50% of AMI), and low-income (80% of AMI).
Prospective participants apply to be placed on a waiting list. Due to high demand, these waiting lists are often very long, and it can take many years to be issued a voucher. Section 8 should be considered a long-term housing strategy, not a solution for an immediate crisis.
Applications for VSHA's Section 8 programs are managed through an online portal at Vermont.AffordableHousing.com, and support is available by calling 888-406-4003.
| Household Size | Extremely Low-Income (30% AMI) | Very Low-Income (50% AMI) | Low-Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington-South Burlington MSA (FY 2025) | |||
| 1 Person | $27,300 | $45,450 | $72,700 |
| 2 Persons | $31,200 | $51,950 | $83,100 |
| 3 Persons | $35,100 | $58,450 | $93,500 |
| 4 Persons | $38,950 | $64,900 | $103,850 |
| Addison County (FY 2025) | |||
| 1 Person | $24,400 | $40,650 | $65,050 |
| 2 Persons | $27,900 | $46,450 | $74,350 |
| 3 Persons | $31,400 | $52,250 | $83,650 |
| 4 Persons | $34,850 | $58,050 | $92,900 |
Note: Income limits are set annually by HUD and vary by county. The figures above are for illustrative purposes. Applicants should verify the current limits for their specific county.
Specialized Housing Voucher Programs
VSHA also administers several specialized voucher programs targeted at specific populations. These often require a referral from a partner agency and include:
Housing stability also relies on a tenant's understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities. Knowledge of Vermont's landlord-tenant laws can prevent illegal fees, wrongful withholding of security deposits, and unlawful evictions.
Key Resources for Tenant Information and Advocacy
Several statewide organizations are dedicated to educating and advocating for renters.
Understanding Security Deposit Laws
Vermont has specific laws governing how landlords must handle security deposits.
Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination
Both federal and state laws protect tenants from discrimination in housing. It is illegal for a landlord to discriminate against a person based on protected classes, which include:
Tenants who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination can file a complaint with the CVOEO Fair Housing Project (802-660-3456 x 106) or the Vermont Human Rights Commission (800-416-2010).
In conclusion, while large-scale pandemic relief programs have ended, Vermont maintains a multi-layered system of support. For immediate crises like homelessness or eviction, emergency hotlines and legal aid are the first line of defense. For financial help, Community Action Agencies are the primary access points. For long-term affordability, housing authorities manage subsidy programs like Section 8, though these require patience. By identifying the nature of their housing challenge, tenants can connect with the appropriate resources and begin the process of regaining stability.
No, the Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP) is permanently closed and no longer accepting applications. Renters seeking assistance must now apply to other state and local programs, such as those offered by Community Action Agencies, for financial help with their housing costs.
If you are homeless or in a housing crisis, the first step is to call 2-1-1. A specialist will connect you with your region's Coordinated Entry system. This process assesses your situation and refers you to available emergency housing resources and shelters in your area.
The primary source for direct financial Vermont rent relief is the Housing Opportunity Program (HOP), administered through local Community Action Agencies. This grant can help with back rent, security deposits, and moving expenses for eligible households at risk of homelessness.
Yes, assistance for security deposits is available. Vermont's five Community Action Agencies can often provide financial help for security deposits and the first month's rent through the Housing Opportunity Program (HOP) to eligible low-income tenants who are securing new housing.
If you receive an eviction notice, immediately contact Vermont Legal Aid at 1-800-889-2047. They provide free legal services for low-income tenants facing eviction. Seeking legal counsel early is the most effective step you can take to protect your housing.
While there isn't a single statewide rent relief program just for seniors, many local Area Agencies on Aging can connect older Vermonters with housing resources. Additionally, seniors may qualify for subsidized housing or Section 8 vouchers, which have specific preferences for elderly applicants.
Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) is a long-term federal rental subsidy program for very low-income families, providing ongoing assistance. In contrast, other forms of Vermont rent relief, like the HOP grant, typically offer short-term, one-time financial aid to prevent immediate eviction or homelessness.
In Vermont, a landlord must return your security deposit, or a written list of deductions, within 14 days of you moving out. If they fail to meet this deadline, they may forfeit their right to keep any portion of the deposit.
The Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) General Assistance (GA) program can provide emergency funds for basic needs, which may include housing costs in a crisis. However, it is a very limited, last-resort program for those who do not qualify for other assistance.
Authoritative information on tenant rights is available at VTLawHelp.org and through the CVOEO's Vermont Tenants Hotline at 802-864-0099. These resources provide free guidance on leases, evictions, security deposits, and fair housing laws, offering crucial support for renters.
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