Outline of the Eviction Process in Connecticut

1. Grounds for Eviction

• Legal reasons required:
  • Non-payment of rent.
  • Lease violation (e.g., unauthorized occupants, property damage).
  • Illegal activity (e.g., drug-related conduct).
  • End of lease term (fixed-term or month-to-month).
  • No-fault eviction (e.g., landlord wants to occupy or convert).
  • Lapse of time (expiration of written lease).
• Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-1 to § 47a-20 (Landlord and Tenant Act).

2. Notice to Quit

• Written Notice to Quit Possession served:
  • Non-payment: 3-day notice to pay or vacate.
  • Lease violation: 15-day notice to cure (if curable) or vacate.
  • Month-to-month or no-fault/lapse of time: 3-day notice.
  • Illegal activity: 3-day notice (no cure).
• Delivery: Sheriff, marshal, or indifferent person; delivered to residence or posted with mailed copy.
• Tenant can cure by paying rent (within 3 days, 10-day grace period for first-time non-payment) or fixing violation (within 15 days, if curable).

3. Filing the Eviction Case

• File Summary Process in Superior Court – Housing Session or Geographical Area Court.
• Documents: Summons, Complaint, Notice to Quit, lease, proof of service.
• Fee: ~$175–$200 (varies by court).
• Timing: After notice period expires.

4. Serving the Summons and Complaint

• State marshal serves papers 8 days before return date.
• Tenant must file appearance by return date (within 2 days of receipt).
• Tenant may file answer to raise defenses.

5. Court Hearing

• Held 10–20 days after filing.
• Landlord presents evidence; tenant raises defenses (e.g., improper notice, uninhabitable conditions).
• Outcomes: Eviction granted, case dismissed, or agreement (e.g., mediation).

6. Judgment and Execution

• Summary Process Execution if landlord wins.
• Appeal: 5 days.
• Execution issued: ~7–14 days post-judgment; marshal serves 24-hour notice to vacate.

7. Physical Eviction

• State marshal removes tenant; landlord stores belongings (15 days).
• Tenant can reclaim property by paying storage costs.
• Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-42.

8. Tenant Protections

• Rights:
  • Cure violations (10-day grace for first-time non-payment), habitability defenses, anti-retaliation, right to counsel (low-income tenants).
• Resources:
  • Statewide Legal Services (800-453-3320), ctlegal.org, jud.ct.gov.

Notes

• Disclaimer: General guide; consult a lawyer.
• Sources: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-1 to § 47a-20; jud.ct.gov; ctlegal.org.