Connecticut Statewide Rule
Connecticut Eviction Notice and Summary Process (Sec. 47a-23)
Key Facts
- Notice to quit
- At least 3 days (Sec. 47a-23)
- Nonpayment prerequisite
- 9-day grace period first (Sec. 47a-15a)
- Court action
- Summary process (Sec. 47a-23a)
- Who removes tenant
- State marshal only; no self-help
Summary
Connecticut evictions begin with a notice to quit possession under Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 47a-23, giving the tenant at least three days to leave. If the tenant stays, the landlord files a summary process complaint under Sec. 47a-23a. For nonpayment, the notice may issue only after the nine-day rent grace period.
(b) The notice shall be in writing substantially in the following form: "I (or we) hereby give you notice that you are to quit possession or occupancy of the (land, building, apartment or dwelling unit, or of any trailer or any land upon which a trailer is used or stands, as the case may be), now occupied by you at (here insert the address, including apartment number or other designation, as applicable), on or before the (here insert the date) for the following reason (here insert the reason or reasons for the notice to quit possession or occupancy using the statutory language or words of similar import, also the date and place of signing notice). A.B.". If the owner or lessor, or the owner's or lessor's legal representative, attorney-at-law or attorney-in-fact knows of the presence of an occupant but does not know the name of such occupant, the notice for such occupant may be addressed to such occupant as "John Doe", "Jane Doe" or some other alias which reasonably characterizes the person to be served.
Full Breakdown
Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 47a-23(a) requires the landlord to 'give notice to each lessee or occupant to quit possession or occupancy...at least three days before the termination' date stated in the notice. A nonpayment notice to quit may issue only after the nine-day grace period of Sec. 47a-15a, and on delivery 'a notice to quit possession based on nonpayment of rent shall...terminate the rental agreement for the month or week in which the notice is delivered.' If the tenant 'neglects or refuses to quit' after the three days expire, the landlord brings a summary process action under Sec. 47a-23a. Only a state marshal may execute the eviction after the court enters and the stay periods run; self-help lockouts are illegal.
Violations & Penalties
Self-help eviction (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) is illegal; a landlord using force or fraud to enter faces liability under Sec. 47a-43 (entry and detainer), including double damages and attorney's fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is an eviction notice in Connecticut?
Can a Connecticut landlord evict without going to court?
Sources
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