Are you a landlord or a property management professional in Connecticut? If so, you already know that there’s plenty of work involved in ensuring that the properties you look after are clean and safe. One of the most difficult challenges you may face in this role is an eviction, or the removal of tenants, as it can represent a stressful time for everyone involved.
Unfortunately, some eviction notices are unavoidable even if you've properly screened applicants and vetted them through all the right processes. When an eviction situation arises, it's important to have a firm grasp of Connecticut eviction laws to navigate it successfully. At TenantCloud, we completely understand that the eviction process can be overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’ve got your back!
In this article, we’ll be simplifying the complexities of the eviction laws in Connecticut so that you’re equipped with the knowledge you need to operate fairly and legally. So, pull up a chair and stick around as we explore the subject in detail.
How Much Notice Does a Landlord Have to Give a Tenant to Move Out in Connecticut?
That’s a great question, and the answer very much depends on why the eviction notice is being served. This is because the number of days of written notice required varies according to the reason for eviction. Here’s how it breaks down.
Reason #1 - Termination of a Month-to-Month Tenancy
When you simply want to end a rolling month-to-month tenancy in property management, it’s known as a ‘Non-eviction Termination of Tenancy’. In these cases, landlords are required to give at least 30 days written notice and it must correspond with the existing rental payment cycle. This also applies if a tenant remains in a property after their lease has expired (known as a hold-over tenant).
Reason #2 - Nonpayment of Rent
Should a Connecticut tenant stop paying rent, landlords must provide three full days during which they must either come up with the overdue amount or vacate the property. When the tenant doesn’t comply during this period, you can then begin the eviction process.
Reason #3 - Lease Violations
When it comes to lease violations, the applicable eviction notice period depends on how severe the infraction was. As such, lease violations typically fall into two categories:
- Curable violations - At the lower end of the scale, these are typically minor offenses, such as keeping non-permitted pets or noise complaints. In these cases, there is no fixed term, however, most landlords issue a 15-day ‘Notice to Quit’ to give the tenant time to rectify the issue.
- Non-Curable Violations - However, when the breaches of the terms of the lease are more severe (e.g. Criminal behavior/significant property damage), Connecticut General Statutes decree that landlords can seek immediate eviction without the standard notice periods.
Pro Tip: Following Connecticut eviction laws is essential, as the state does everything it can to provide robust protections for tenants. Landlords cannot evict tenants without a court order, and if they attempt to do so, it can mean that a judge will rule in the tenant's favor at the housing court.
Related: New York Eviction Laws Explained | Legal Guidelines
What’s the Best Way to Serve an Eviction Notice in Connecticut?
So, when it comes to actually serving an eviction notice to your tenants to start the eviction process, it's important to do things in the right way in order to avoid facing an appeal in court. As such, here’s a quick rundown on how to properly do it.
1. Draft the Notice - Firstly, you need to put the notice together detailing the reason for eviction. The notice must clearly show the following information:
- The tenant’s name(s)
- The property address
- The specific reason for eviction
- The time frame they have to resolve the issue or vacate
- Statement indicating the consequences of non-compliance
2. Hire a State Marshal: Why do you need to involve a state marshal? Well, under Connecticut eviction laws, state marshals are designated as neutral, qualified individuals and they’re the only ones who are deemed able to handle the service of process in eviction cases.
3. Provide the Eviction Notice to the Marshal: After securing a Marshal for your case, provide them with the written eviction notice along with the tenant’s address. They’ll typically deliver the notice either in person or by leaving a notice at the property.
4. Obtain Proof of Service: The state marshal will then provide a return of service which acts as official proof that the tenant was served in the appropriate process. This document is critical to the landlord if the eviction process proceeds to court.
Pro Tip: Double-check that all of the details on the eviction notice are correct and ensure that the state marshal serves it promptly. Even small errors like failure to provide notice can cause delays or dismissal in court, so precision is key.
Can the Landlord Shut Off Utilities or Lock a Tenant Out Prior to The Completion of the Eviction Process?
It will likely come as no surprise that, no, a landlord cannot carry out a ‘Self-Help’ eviction in Connecticut by turning off the water/power or changing the locks while your tenants are out. According to Connecticut eviction laws, such actions are strictly prohibited. Other actions that fall into this category include:
- Physically removing the tenant or their belongings: Under no circumstances should you forcibly remove a tenant or their possessions without going through the legal eviction process.
- Blocking Access to the Property: Neither can you do anything to stop your tenant from getting into their rental property, such as blocking entryways with vehicles or any other barrier.
- Harassment or Intimidation: It’s also illegal to constantly harass, threaten, or use any kind of intimidation to pressure the tenant into leaving a rental property.
- Entering the Rental Without Permission: Contrary to what some landlords may believe, it’s actually against the law to enter any rental real estate without the express permission of the tenant, and you’ll typically need to provide 24 hours notice. It’s also considered unlawful to repeatedly turn up on their doorstep without giving notice in an attempt to disrupt their living situation.
- Removing Doors or Windows: While the property may belong to you, you can’t remove any parts of it (such as windows) or doors to make it uninhabitable. While it may seem far-fetched, this has happened in the past. Know that it's unlawful and will work against the landlord in court.
- Stopping Repairs or Maintenance: Connecticut eviction laws also state that it’s illegal to withhold necessary maintenance or repair work that needs to be done (such as fixing broken plumbing or faulty heating) as a means to pressure the tenant to leave.
Pro Tip: It’s essential that you keep detailed records of all communication, notices, and actions taken during the eviction process. This not only helps you comply with Connecticut law but also protects you in case the tenant contests the eviction in housing court. Staying professional and following legal procedures will save you time, money, and potential legal troubles.
Related: Pennsylvania Eviction Laws Explained | Navigating the Legal Landscape
What is the Eviction Process in Connecticut & In Which Order Do Things Happen?
You’ve reached the point where you feel the best option is to get the ball rolling on the eviction process. So, what can you expect? While every case is different, here’s how things usually progress.
Step #1 - Issue a Notice to Quit
As we touched upon earlier, the first step of the Connecticut eviction process is for the landlord to serve the tenant with a Notice to Quit. This formally notifies the tenant of the landlord’s intent to terminate the tenancy, and it must clearly state the reason for eviction (e.g., non-payment of rent, lease violation).
Step #2 - Wait for the Notice Period to Expire
Once the Notice to Quit is served, you must wait for the designated notice period to elapse. During this time, the tenant may resolve the issue. Ideally, the tenant complies within the notice period, which means there’s no need for the landlord to proceed with the eviction. If that’s not the case, the eviction process moves to the next step.
Step #3 - File a Summary Process Complaint
When the tenant fails to address the issue or vacate the property, your next move is to file a Summary Process Complaint in the local court. This is a formal eviction lawsuit that requires the landlord to submit documentation, including a copy of the Notice to Quit. The landlord must also pay a fee required for eviction filings in Connecticut (roughly $175).
Step #4 - Serve the Summons and Complaint
The next part of the eviction process is for a state marshal to serve the tenant with the eviction paperwork.
This paperwork includes the summons and the complaint and ensures the tenant is fully informed of the legal action and their obligation to respond. Properly serving these documents is critical to avoiding delays or dismissal of the case, particularly as the court cannot proceed until the tenant has received them.
Step #5 - Wait For the Tenant’s Response
Once the necessary documentation is in the tenant's hands, they have two days from the return date (usually stated on the summons) to file an answer with the court. In this response, they can contest the eviction, raise legal defenses or file a counterclaim. If the tenant doesn’t respond during this time, the judge may issue a default judgment in the landlord’s favor.
Step #6 - Attend the Hearing
Should the tenant contest the eviction, the housing court will schedule a hearing in order to review the case. Generally speaking, the landlord and tenant will be present so that they can present evidence and arguments to support their case. After everyone has had their say, the judge evaluates the circumstances and provides a ruling on whether the eviction is lawful.
Step #7 - Obtain a Judgment for Possession
If the event that the court rules in favor of the landlord, a Judgment for Possession is issued. This legal order gives the landlord the right to take back possession of the property. On the other hand, if the tenant wins the case, they can stay in the rental property, and the eviction process stops. Landlords must wait for the court’s judgment before proceeding with any kind of action.
Step #8 - Request an Execution Order
Even at this stage, the tenant may not be cooperating with the process, and if they fail to vacate after the judgment for possession has been given, the next step is to request an Execution Order from the court. This important document authorizes the physical removal of both the tenant and their belongings from the rental property. However, it’s important to say that, again, under Connecticut eviction laws, the only person who can carry out the removal is a state marshal assigned to your situation.
Step #9 - Serve the Execution Order
The penultimate part of the Connecticut eviction process involves a state marshal serving the Execution Order, after which the tenant typically has 24 hours to leave the premises. This final notice is the tenant’s last chance to vacate voluntarily. If they don’t leave of their own accord, the marshal will then begin the enforced removal, as per the court’s judgment.
Step #10 - Tenant Removal
After the deadline in the Execution Order has passed, the state marshal will physically remove the tenant and their belongings from the property. The landlord is then free to retake possession of the rental property and ny remaining belongings are handled according to state law (something that often requires landlords to store them for a certain period before disposal).
Pro Tip: In certain cases, a "cash for keys" agreement can be an effective last resort before starting the eviction process. This financial incentive can save you time, avoid court costs, and allow you to regain possession of your property more quickly and smoothly.
Related: Understanding New Jersey Eviction Laws | Rights, Procedures, and Notices
What Reasons Can Lead to a Tenant Appealing?
When Connecticut tenant appeals an eviction notice, they get their day in court and depending on how you’ve acted as the landlord, the case could be dismissed. So, what might make a tenant lodge an appeal? The truth is that there are a number of reasons why this might happen.
- Improperly Served Eviction Notice - If you’ve not followed Connecticut eviction laws to the letter in terms of how and when it was served and what the notice contained, the tenant could argue that the process was invalid.
- Violation of Tenant Rights - We covered the importance of avoiding Self-Help evictions, where landlords take matters into their own hands and the importance of following the rules. Remember that as such, if you take any kind of illegal action during or before the eviction process, the tenant may have grounds for an appeal.
- Disputed Lease Violations - Tenants may also appeal if the eviction is based on an alleged lease violation that they believe is incorrect, unproven, or already resolved within the timeframe allowed by the law or lease terms.
- Retaliatory Evictions - Tenants who suspect the eviction is a response to them exercising their legal rights (e.g. reporting unsafe living conditions) may claim it to be a retaliatory eviction and appeal the case.
- Habitability Issues - Property management professionals are required to ensure rental properties are kept in a habitable condition, so if a tenant is being evicted due to withholding rent because the landlord isn’t living up to their end of the bargain (e.g. there’s no heating or water), again, they can appeal and will likely be successful if proven.
Appeals exist in the Connecticut eviction process for a very good reason: they provide tenants with an opportunity to have their case reviewed by a higher court, potentially overturning the original ruling and ensuring their legal rights are protected.
Pro Tip: If you want to reduce the chances of a tenant appeal succeeding, ensure your eviction notice paperwork is not only properly served but also includes clear and specific reasons for the eviction. When it’s due to a lease violation, provide documented evidence, and for habitability claims, keep records of maintenance requests and repairs to demonstrate your compliance with Connecticut laws.
TenantCloud - Making Life Easier for Landlords in 2025
Whichever way you look at it, removing tenants from your property is never pleasant, but they can sometimes occur, no matter how good you are at being a landlord. As we’ve seen here, however, there’s much that you can do to protect yourself simply by documenting everything you do and following Connecticut eviction laws precisely. Combine this approach with all necessary measures to keep your property liveable, and you’ll make things much simpler for yourself.
Something else that can make your life easier as a landlord in Connecticut is TenantCloud, the feature-rich platform that’s been designed specifically for those in property management. From quick and easy tenant screening to convenient automated rent collection, our software takes the legwork away, freeing you up to concentrate your efforts on other important areas.
So, if you like the sound of simplified, stress-free time as a landlord, take a few minutes to browse our website where you’ll discover everything you need to know about how TenantCloud’s tools can take your management game to the next level. Alternatively, to speak to a member of our team about your needs, call 1-737-300-9331 today.
