Eviction Law in Connecticut
Getting an eviction notice can leave you overwhelmed—especially if you’re unsure of your rights or what steps come next. In Connecticut, the process moves fast once it begins, and missing a deadline could mean losing your home. That’s why understanding how eviction works in this state is crucial.
Keep reading to learn how the eviction process works in Connecticut—and if you need legal guidance, we can connect you with an experienced local attorney who’s ready to help.
What Is an Eviction?
An eviction is the legal process a landlord uses to remove a tenant from a rental unit. In Connecticut, this usually happens when a tenant stops paying rent or breaks the terms of the lease. But even if the tenant is clearly in the wrong, eviction is rarely simple. The law gives renters strong protections, and landlords must follow very specific rules to avoid delays or dismissal.
It’s also important to remember that not every eviction notice leads to court. In many cases, a notice works as a final warning. If the tenant pays the overdue rent or fixes the lease violation, the eviction process might stop there. That’s why both tenants and landlords should understand Connecticut’s eviction laws before taking the next step.
When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?
The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent
If a Connecticut tenant regularly pays rent late—or stops paying altogether—it may be time to consider eviction. While some states give landlords flexibility on when they can act, Connecticut law provides specific grace periods. Still, repeated nonpayment is a serious breach of the lease and can justify moving forward with formal notice.
Under Connecticut law, tenants who rent by the month have a nine-day grace period before rent is considered officially late. During that time, landlords cannot charge late fees or begin the eviction process. For tenants on a week-to-week lease, the grace period is only four days. Once those deadlines pass, landlords can serve a notice to quit for nonpayment.
The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement
A lease agreement is a binding legal contract, and when a tenant breaks its terms, it can open the door to eviction. Whether it’s bringing in an unauthorized roommate, keeping a pet that’s not allowed, or using the property for a restricted purpose, these violations can be enough to start the eviction process in Connecticut.
That said, lease obligations run both ways. Connecticut landlords are also bound by the terms of the agreement. If the lease requires you to handle certain repairs or provide basic maintenance, you’re legally required to follow through.
The Tenant Damages the Property
Some level of property damage is expected when someone lives in a rental—scuffed walls, worn carpet, or a bent window blind fall under normal wear and tear. These issues are typically not enough to justify removing a tenant. But when the damage goes beyond everyday use—like smashed windows, broken doors, or holes in the drywall—it becomes a different matter.
In Connecticut, significant property destruction may be grounds for eviction, especially if it appears intentional or reckless. That said, not every incident qualifies. If the tenant addresses minor damage on their own and avoids altering the structure or function of the unit, eviction may not be appropriate. What matters is the extent of the damage and whether it clearly exceeds what’s considered reasonable use.
The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes
If a tenant is using your Connecticut property for illegal activity—like selling drugs, harboring weapons, or engaging in criminal enterprises—it gives you strong grounds to begin the eviction process.
Not only can this put your property at risk, but it can also threaten the safety of neighbors and expose you to legal liability. In many cases, reporting these issues to law enforcement can trigger both eviction proceedings and potential criminal charges.
However, accusations alone aren’t enough. To legally evict a tenant for illegal activity, you’ll need documentation to back your claim. This could include police reports, citations, or written complaints tied directly to the property.
How to Evict a Tenant in Connecticut
Step 1. Check Your Local Laws
Eviction laws aren’t the same across the country, and in Connecticut, both state statutes and local rules shape how the process works. Before serving a notice or filing paperwork, it’s critical to understand your legal footing. Moving forward without a valid reason—or failing to follow the correct steps—can delay your case or even get it thrown out.
Connecticut’s Landlord and Tenant Statutes outline key responsibilities for both parties. One important rule concerns security deposits. If a tenant is under the age of 62, a landlord can request up to two months’ rent as a deposit. But if the tenant is 62 or older, the maximum is limited to one month’s rent.
Another important protection for tenants is the timeline for returning a security deposit. In Connecticut, landlords must return the full deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out—assuming there’s no damage beyond normal wear and tear. Failing to comply can result in legal penalties, including potential fines or court-ordered damages.
Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction
If you’ve made good-faith efforts to work things out and your tenant still isn’t holding up their end of the lease, the next step is to serve a formal eviction notice. This notice acts as a final warning and should clearly outline the lease violation—whether it’s unpaid rent, unauthorized occupants, or another breach.
In most cases, the notice should state how much rent is owed and give a firm deadline to either pay the balance or move out. If you’re unsure how to draft the notice correctly, it’s smart to consult a local attorney or use a trusted template that complies with state lawregulations
Connecticut law requires landlords to serve a Notice to Quit before starting formal eviction proceedings. This notice must go to each adult tenant living on the property and must list at least one valid reason for the eviction, such as nonpayment of rent.
A state marshal typically handles service of the notice. Tenants must be given at least three full days to move out. Even if the case reaches trial and the landlord wins, Connecticut law allows tenants to request up to three additional months to remain in the unit.
Step 3. File the Eviction with the Court
If the tenant fails to comply with the notice to quit, your next move is to formally file for eviction. In Connecticut, eviction cases—referred to as “summary process” actions—are handled by the Housing Session of the Superior Court, or by the geographical area court if there’s no dedicated housing session in your district.
Once your case is filed, the court will issue a summons and schedule a hearing date. That summons must be properly served on the tenant by a state marshal.
Step 4. Contact an Experienced Connecticut Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing
Before your hearing, it’s wise to consult with a local eviction attorney who understands Connecticut’s strict procedural requirements. A lawyer can help ensure your filings are in order and that you’re fully prepared to present your case. Bring all relevant documentation to court, including:
- A signed copy of the lease or rental agreement
- A detailed rent ledger or payment history
- Any returned or bounced checks
- Copies of emails, letters, or texts with the tenant
- A copy of the Notice to Quit and any follow-up notices
- Proof the notice was properly served (e.g., return of service from a state marshal)
Step 5. Evict the Tenant
Once the court rules in your favor, the tenant will be given a short period—usually a few days—to vacate the property. In Connecticut, this window is typically five days. If the tenant fails to leave by the deadline, you cannot forcibly remove them yourself. Instead, you must coordinate with a state marshal to carry out the physical eviction.
Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments
Winning the eviction case doesn’t automatically guarantee you’ll collect what the tenant owes. If rent is still unpaid, you may need to pursue it separately. Landlords in Connecticut have several legal options for recovering past-due rent, including:
- Filing a small claims case for the unpaid amount
- Requesting a civil judgment to pursue wage garnishment
- Garnishing state tax refunds (if eligible)
- Hiring a licensed debt collector to handle the recovery process
Work with an Experienced Eviction Attorney in Connecticut
Tenants in Connecticut may push back by claiming the eviction notice wasn’t delivered properly or that you skipped a step in the legal process. That’s why it’s so important to have a qualified Connecticut eviction attorney guiding you from the start.
An experienced lawyer can help you follow every required procedure, avoid costly missteps, and build a case that holds up in court.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area! We can even help you connect with an attorney across Connecticut state lines.
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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