Rent Assistance in Vermont

Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.

Vermont's pandemic program, VERAP, is closed. For a renter behind today, the usual door is the regional Community Action agency, which can apply for Housing Opportunity Program money for back rent, deposits or moving costs. Applications are reviewed by local partners, and funds are limited.

Vermont has one unusual option: the Vermont State Housing Authority's Rental Arrears Assistance Fund is applied for by the landlord, not the tenant, and only during an eviction. It replaced a program that stopped taking applications on April 1, 2026. VSHA's page says applications open November 2 and mentions $1 million for fiscal 2027, but gives no year for that date. Ask VSHA whether it is accepting packets.

Where to Start in Vermont

Housing Opportunity Program (HOP)

Through local Community Action agencies, HOP may help pay back rent, first month's rent, security deposits, utilities, moving costs or short-term rental help. It is for rental housing only, and Vermont Law Help says funds are limited. Contact the agency for your county below.

Visit website · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Rental Arrears Assistance Fund (RAAF)

Landlords in the eviction process apply for unpaid rent in order to save a sustainable tenancy. The tenant must meet program rules, and both landlord and tenant must agree to end the eviction. First-time applicants get priority, and repeat help needs an extraordinary, temporary circumstance and a sustainability plan. Questions go to VSHA or landlordrelief@vsha.org.

Visit website · Phone: 802-828-3028 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Vermont State Housing Authority

The state's housing authority and rental assistance administrator, with offices in Montpelier, St. Albans (802-527-1071), Middlebury (802-388-1005) and White River Junction (802-295-8883). Its Section 8 voucher wait list notice shows a January 31, 2025 closing.

Visit website · Phone: 802-828-3295 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Economic Services emergency housing line

CVOEO sends people who need emergency housing to the statewide Economic Services Department. After hours and on weekends, call 2-1-1. Vermont Law Help notes that emergency housing rules changed starting September 1, 2026.

Visit website · Phone: 1-800-479-6151 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Local Rent Help in Vermont

Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) (Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle and Addison Counties)

Uses HOP grants and donations, as available, for back rent, first month's rent, security deposits or short-term subsidies, with applications reviewed weekly. Serves people homeless or at risk of homelessness. Chittenden number shown; Addison is (802) 388-2285, and Franklin and Grand Isle are (802) 527-7392.

Visit website · Phone: (802) 863-6248 ext. 4 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) (Windham and most of Windsor County)

Lists help paying back rent to avoid eviction, security deposits or first month's rent to relocate, and landlord-tenant mediation. Call and follow the prompt to reach your Family Services office; toll-free is 800-464-9951.

Visit website · Phone: 802-722-4575 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Capstone Community Action (Washington, Orange and Lamoille Counties, plus some Addison, Rutland and Windsor towns)

Vermont's Community Action network lists housing assistance among its programs. Ask whether HOP funds are available for your town. Toll-free: 1-800-639-1053.

Visit website · Phone: 802-479-1053 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

BROC Community Action (Rutland and Bennington Counties)

The Community Action agency for southwestern Vermont. Ask about HOP funds and housing help. Toll-free: 800-718-2762.

Visit website · Phone: 802-775-0878 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) (Orleans, Essex and Caledonia Counties)

The Community Action agency for the Northeast Kingdom. Ask about HOP funds and housing help.

Visit website · Phone: 855-663-5224 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Facing Eviction in Vermont?

For unpaid rent, a landlord must give actual notice of a termination date at least 14 days away. The agreement does not end if you pay or tender the rent due through the end of the rental period in which you pay. Taking a partial payment does not waive the landlord's nonpayment remedies. The state housing department notes that some cities, including Burlington and Barre, have their own local rules. Read the official guidance

Free or low-cost legal help: Vermont Legal Aid. Free civil legal help for eligible Vermonters, including low-income, elderly and disabled tenants, in eviction and other housing cases. VTLawHelp.org has a Legal Help Tool with a help request form, and the state housing department lists this phone number for Vermont Legal Aid. Visit website · Phone: 1-800-889-2047

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.

Vermont Programs That Have Closed

You may still see these programs online. Check before you spend time on an application.

  • Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP): The pandemic rental program run by VSHA. VSHA says VERAP is closed and its portals are shut, with January 12, 2024 the last day to retrieve payment information.
  • Rental Arrears Eviction Prevention Program: VSHA stopped accepting new applications at the close of business on April 1, 2026, after receiving enough to use all available funds. It kept processing earlier applications, with funding not assured for all of them. VSHA now calls the program the Rental Arrears Assistance Fund.
  • Money to Move Program: VSHA says this program has ended and it no longer accepts applications. Its page gives no end date.

More Help in Vermont

Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.

Vermont Rent Assistance Questions

Is VERAP still open?

No. The Vermont State Housing Authority says the program is closed and its portals are shut to landlords and applicants. Older pages may still describe it.

Can I apply to the Rental Arrears Assistance Fund as a tenant?

The program lets landlords in the eviction process apply, so your landlord has to take part. The tenant must meet the program's rules, and both sides must agree to end the eviction. If your landlord will apply, ask VSHA at 802-828-3028 whether it is taking packets.

Who helps with back rent or a security deposit in Vermont?

Your regional Community Action agency is the place to ask about the Housing Opportunity Program, which may cover back rent, first month's rent or a deposit. Funds are limited and not everyone receives them.

How long does a Vermont nonpayment notice give me?

State law requires a termination date at least 14 days after actual notice, and paying the rent due through the end of the rental period keeps the agreement from ending. Call Vermont Legal Aid to check your notice.

Rent Assistance in Nearby States

Most programs only help people who live in their state. If you are moving or live near a state line, you can also check:

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