Connecticut Statewide Rule
Connecticut Landlord Entry Rules (Sec. 47a-16)
Key Facts
- Notice required
- Reasonable written or oral notice (Sec. 47a-16)
- Common practice
- 24-48 hours treated as reasonable
- Timing
- Reasonable times only
- Emergency
- Entry allowed without notice
Summary
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 47a-16, a landlord must give the tenant reasonable written or oral notice of intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times, except in an emergency. Tenants may not unreasonably withhold consent for inspections, repairs, services, or showings, and landlords may not abuse the right of entry.
Sec. 47a-16. When landlord may enter rented unit. (a) A tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed to repairs, alterations or improvements, supply necessary or agreed to services or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen or contractors. (b) A landlord may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency. (c) A landlord shall not abuse the right of entry or use such right of entry to harass the tenant. The landlord shall give the tenant reasonable written or oral notice of his intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times, except in case of emergency. (d) A landlord may not enter the dwelling unit without the consent of the tenant except (1) in case of emergency, (2) as permitted by section 47a-16a , (3) pursuant to a court order, or (4) if the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises. (P.A. 76-95, S. 11, 27; 76-435, S. 75, 82; P.A. 79-571, S. 22; P.A. 89-254, S. 6.)
Full Breakdown
Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 47a-16 requires that the landlord 'give the tenant reasonable written or oral notice of his intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times, except in case of emergency.' Connecticut sets no fixed hour figure, but reasonable notice is widely treated as 24 to 48 hours. The tenant 'shall not unreasonably withhold consent' for the landlord to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs, alterations or improvements, supply services, or exhibit the unit to prospective purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers or contractors. Absent consent, a landlord may enter only in an emergency, under Sec. 47a-16a, pursuant to court order, or if the unit is abandoned, and may not abuse entry to harass the tenant.
Violations & Penalties
A landlord who unlawfully enters or abuses the right of entry may face an injunction and, under Sec. 47a-18, damages and reasonable attorney's fees; the tenant may also recover for harassment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Connecticut landlord have to give 24 hours' notice?
Can a Connecticut landlord enter without permission?
Sources
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