2005 Vermont Code - § 4465. — Retaliatory conduct prohibited

§ 4465. Retaliatory conduct prohibited

(a) A landlord of a residential dwelling unit may not retaliate by establishing or changing terms of a rental agreement or by bringing or threatening to bring an action against a tenant who:

(1) has complained to a governmental agency charged with responsibility for enforcement of a building, housing or health regulation of a violation applicable to the premises materially affecting health and safety;

(2) has complained to the landlord of a violation of this chapter; or

(3) has organized or become a member of a tenant's union or similar organization.

(b) If the landlord acts in violation of this section, the tenant is entitled to recover damages and reasonable attorney's fees and has a defense in any retaliatory action for possession. (Added 1985, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)