In Connecticut, in order for the delivery of a lease termination or eviction notice to be legal, certain rules and procedures must be followed. If they are not and the case proceeds to court, the case may be postponed or dismissed by a judge.
Who Can Serve Notices in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, landlords cannot serve a 3 day notice to quit (for nonpayment of rent) or a 3 day notice to vacate (for an incurable breach of the lease), but a landlord can deliver a lease violation notice or lease termination letter themselves.
A state marshal, proper officer or a person specially appointed by the court must serve the 3 day notice to quit and the 3 day notice to vacate.
When Can Notices Be Served in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, an eviction or lease termination notice may be served any day of the week. For notices to be served by the state marshal, proper officer or specially appointed person by the court, they will inform the landlord when the notice is scheduled to be delivered.
For a 3 Day Notice to Quit, the eviction notice used for tenants that do not pay rent in full and on time, a notice can be served four (4) days after rent is due for a one (1) week tenancy or nine (9) days after the rent is due for all other tenancies.
Acceptable Forms of Service in Connecticut
In Connecticut, a notice can be served in the same manner, regardless of who serves it, using any of the below acceptable methods:
- Handing the notice to the tenant in person;
- Handing the notice to someone of suitable age and discretion at the premises; or
- Posting the notice in a conspicuous place at the premises, such as the entry door.
Obtaining Proof of Service in Connecticut
After serving the notice, the state marshal, proper officer or specially appointed person by the court will complete proof of service for the landlord, as required by law. The landlord can expect to receive the original notice with proof of service by mail.
After the landlord serves a notice, the landlord shall complete the declaration of service or certificate of service for proof of service. The landlord should keep the original notice and proof of service in the tenant’s file for their records.
Connecticut Eviction & Lease Termination Notice Forms
| Notice Form | Grounds |
| 3 Day Notice to Quit | Eviction for Unpaid Rent |
| 15 Day Notice to Comply or Vacate | Eviction for Lease Violations |
| 3 Day Notice to Vacate | Eviction for Incurable Breach |
| 30 Day Notice to Vacate | Ending a Lease / No Lease |
Sources
- 1 CT Gen Stat § 47a-23
-
A copy of such notice shall be delivered to each lessee or occupant by a proper officer or indifferent person. Delivery of such notice may be made on any day of the week.
Source Link - 2 C.G.S.A. § 47a-15a
-
Sec. 47a-15a. Nonpayment of rent by tenant: Landlord’s remedy. If rent is unpaid when due and the tenant fails to pay rent within nine days thereafter or, in the case of a one-week tenancy, within four days thereafter, the landlord may terminate the rental agreement in accordance with the provisions of sections 47a-23 to 47a-23b, inclusive.
Source Link - 3 Federal Court Rules of Civil Procedure - Rule 4
-
Notice Delivery: By delivering a copy to the individual personally; (B) leaving a copy of each at the individual’s dwelling or usual place of abode with someone of suitable age and discretion who resides there.
Source Link
