Steps of the eviction process in Connecticut:
- Landlord serves tenant written notice.
- Landlord files complaint with court (if unresolved).
- Tenant files answer and appearance.
- Court holds hearing & issues judgment.
- Writ of execution is issued.
- Possession of property is returned to landlord.
Evicting a tenant in Connecticut can take around four to seven weeks, depending on the reason for the eviction. If the tenant requests a continuance or a stay of execution, the process can take longer.
Grounds for an Eviction in Connecticut
In Connecticut, a landlord cannot legally evict a tenant without cause. Legal grounds to evict include not paying rent on time, staying after the lease ends, violating lease terms, discontinuance of use of rental property, illegal activity, and more. Even so, proper notice must first be given before ending the tenancy.
Grounds | Notice Period | Curable? |
---|---|---|
Nonpayment of Rent | 3 Days | No |
End of / No Lease | 3 Days | No |
Lease Violation | 15 Days | Maybe |
Owner’s Personal Use | 3 Days | No |
Discontinuance of Use | 3 Days | No |
Refusal to Accept Rent Increase | 3 Days | No |
Illegal Activity | 15 Days | No |
Eviction for Nonpayment of Rent
In Connecticut, a landlord can evict a tenant for not paying rent on time. To do so, they must first give 3 days’ notice to vacate the premises. The tenant does not have the opportunity to fix the issue and must move out.
Unless the lease states otherwise, rent is due at the beginning of each pay period and is considered late in Connecticut 4 days after the due date for a one-week tenancy, or 9 days after the due date for all other tenancies. So for example, if rent is due on the first of the month for a month-to-month tenant, it is considered late starting on the 10th of the month (if not paid in full).
Once rent is considered late, the landlord can begin the eviction process by serving the tenant with proper notice.
Eviction for No Lease or End of Lease
In Connecticut, a landlord can evict a tenant without a lease or with a lease that has ended (known as a “holdover tenant” or “tenant at will”). To do so, they must first terminate the tenancy by giving proper notice to move out (3 days for tenants that pay month-to-month).
Once the tenancy ends, if the tenant remains on the property, the landlord can move forward and file an eviction lawsuit.
Eviction for Violation of Lease or Responsibilities
In Connecticut a landlord can evict a tenant for a common nuisance or a serious nuisance. Some nuisances allow the tenant to fix (“cure”) the issue to avoid removal and other nuisances do not allow the tenant to fix the issue (“incurable”) and must vacate.
Tenant responsibilities include:
- Complying with all building, housing or fire codes that materially affect health and safety.
- Keeping the premises clean and safe.
- Removing ash, garbage, rubbish and other wase in a clean and safe manner.
- Keeping all plumbing fixtures and appliances clean.
- Using all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other facilities and appliances including elevators in the premises in a reasonable manner.
- Not willfully or negligently destroying, defacing, damaging, impairing or removing any part of the premises.
- Not disturbing the neighbor’s peaceful enjoyment of the premises.
Curable Nuisance
In Connecticut, a landlord can evict a tenant if the tenant commits a nuisance. To do so, a landlord must provide a 15 day notice to comply. The tenant has the option to fix the issue and remain at the property. If the tenant does not fix the issue within that timeframe, the landlord can proceed with the eviction process.
Examples of curable nuisances include:
- Having an unauthorized pet or guest.
- Parking in an unauthorized area.
- Not maintaining a certain level of cleanliness.
If the tenant commits the same nuisance within a six-month time frame, the landlord may end the lease without notice.
Incurable Nuisance
In Connecticut, a landlord can evict a tenant if the tenant commits an incurable nuisance. To do so, a landlord must give a 15 days’ notice to vacate. Tenants do not have the option to fix the issue and must move out.
Examples of incurable nuisances include:
- Illegal sale of drugs on the premises.
- Creating/causing a nuisance.
- Causing substantial, willful property damage.
- Endangering the health or safety of others.
- Inflicting/threatening bodily harm on another tenant/landlord.
If the tenant remains on the premises after the notice period expires, the landlord may proceed with the eviction process.
Eviction for Owner’s Personal Use of the Rental Unit
In Connecticut, a landlord can evict a tenant if the owner decides that they no longer want to rent out the dwelling unit, and instead want to live in the dwelling unit themselves. To do so, the landlord/owner must give the tenant a 3 days’ notice to vacate. Tenants do not have the option to remain in the dwelling unit and must move out.
If the tenant remains on the property after the notice period expires, the landlord may proceed with the eviction process.
Eviction for Discontinuance of Use of the Rental Unit
In Connecticut, a landlord can evict a tenant if the owner decides that they no longer want to rent out the dwelling unit and the property is going to sit unused. To do so, the landlord/owner must give the tenant a 3 days’ notice to vacate. Tenants do not have the option to remain in the dwelling unit and must move out.
If the tenant remains on the property after the notice period expires, the landlord may proceed with the eviction process.
Eviction for Refusal to Accept Rent Increase
In Connecticut, a landlord can evict a tenant if the tenant refuses to accept an increase in rent that is fair and equitable. Landlords may give the tenant a 3 days’ notice to vacate. Tenants do not have the option to remain in the dwelling unit and must move out.
If the tenant remains on the property after the notice period expires, the landlord may proceed with the eviction process.
Eviction for Illegal Activity
In Connecticut, a landlord can evict a tenant if the tenant commits an illegal activity. No notice is required if a tenant is convicted of using the rental unit for prostitution or illegal gaming. In these situations, the landlord may proceed directly to filing an eviction lawsuit.
Illegal Evictions in Connecticut
In Connecticut, any of the below is illegal.
“Self-Help” Evictions
No matter the situation, a landlord is not allowed to forcibly remove a tenant by:
- Changing the locks.
- Shutting off utilities.
- Removing tenant belongings.
- Harassing the tenant
A tenant can only be legally removed with a court order obtained through the formal eviction process. If found liable, the landlord could be required to pay the tenant two months’ periodic rent or double the actual damages sustained, whichever is greater. The tenant may also terminate the lease agreement and the landlord must return all security deposit funds plus interest.
Retaliatory Evictions
It is illegal for a landlord to evict a tenant in response to exercising a legally protected right. These rights include:
- Complaining about habitability issues to the landlord or officials tasked to enforce the law.
- Filing a complaint with the fair rent commission.
- Requesting the landlord to make repairs.
- Joining a tenant’s union or organization.
If the landlord is found liable, the court will decide the tenant’s remedies.

Step 1: Notice is Posted
A landlord can begin the eviction process in Connecticut by serving the tenant with written notice. In Connecticut, a notice to vacate must be served formally by a state marshal, officer, or a person specially appointed by the court. If the notice is to comply or vacate, the landlord may serve the tenant.
The notice must be delivered by one of the following methods:
- Handing the notice to the tenant in person;
- Handing the notice to someone of suitable age and discretion at the premises;
- Posting the notice in a conspicuous place at the premises.
It is important for a landlord to always maintain a copy of the signed and served notice as proof of proper service of notice.
3-Day Notice to Quit (Nonpayment of Rent)
If a tenant is late on paying rent (full or partial) in Connecticut, the landlord can serve them a 3-Day Notice to Quit. This notice gives the tenant 3 calendar days to vacate. The tenant does not have the option to fix the issue and must move out
3-Day Notice to Quit (End of Lease/No Lease)
For a tenant with no lease or a month-to-month lease in Connecticut, the landlord must serve them a 3-Day Notice to Quit to end the tenancy. This eviction notice allows the tenant 3 calendar days to move out.
For tenants that don’t pay monthly, the amount of notice does not change.
15-Day Notice to Cure or Vacate (Lease Violation)
In Connecticut, if a tenant commits a lease violation, the landlord can serve them a 15-Day Notice to Cure or Vacate. This eviction notice gives the tenant 15 calendar days to fix the issue or move out.
3-Day Notice to Quit (Discontinuance of Use)
In Connecticut, if a landlord wants to use the property for his/her own personal use or they no longer want to rent out the dwelling unit and the property is going to sit unused, the landlord can serve them a 3-Day Notice to Quit. This notice gives the tenant 3 calendar days to vacate. The tenant does not have the option to fix the issue and must move out.
3-Day Notice to Quit (Rent Increase Refusal)
In Connecticut, if a tenant refuses to accept an increase in rent that is fair and equitable, the landlord can serve them a 3-Day Notice to Quit. This notice gives the tenant 3 calendar days to vacate. The tenant does not have the option to fix the issue and must move out.
15-Day Notice to Quit (Illegal Activity)
In Connecticut, if a tenant commits an illegal activity, the landlord can serve them a 15-Day Notice to Quit. This notice gives the tenant 15 calendar days to vacate. The tenant does not have the option to fix the issue and must move out.
No Notice Required
In Connecticut, if a tenant commits the same lease violation within a 6-month time frame or if the tenant uses the rental unit for prostitution or illegal gaming. The landlord may proceed directly to filing an eviction lawsuit without prior notice.

Step 2: Landlord Files Complaint with Court
As the next step in the eviction process, Connecticut landlords must file a complaint in the appropriate court. In the state of Connecticut, the filing fee is $175, payments must be made at the time of filing by cash or check payable to “Clerk, Superior Court.”
The summons and complaint must be served on the tenant by the state marshal, constable, or other “proper” officer at least 12 days prior to the eviction hearing through one of the following methods:
- Giving a copy to the tenant in person; or
- Leaving a copy at the tenant’s usual residence.
It is important to note that Connecticut law does not require a copy of the summons and complaint to be mailed to the tenant if the copies are left at the tenant’s residence. However, it does require a signature on the summons for the county clerk to record.

Step 3: Answer & Appearance are Filed
Connecticut tenants must file an appearance, or the court will issue a default judgment in favor of the landlord. An appearance is a written document that acknowledges that the tenant has received the complaint and is aware of the court case against them.
If the tenant hasn’t filed an appearance two days after the date listed on the summons, the landlord may request a default judgment against the tenant, meaning no hearing will be held and the court will order the tenant to move out of the rental unit.
Tenants must also file a written answer along with the appearance if the tenant wants a chance to object to (or “contest”) the eviction. It’s not enough for tenants to file an appearance with the court if they want to attend the eviction hearing; they must also file a written answer.
Tenants have 2 days after the date listed on the summons to file an answer. If there is no answer that is received by that date, but the appearance has been received, landlords must file a motion for default judgment which is also served on the tenant.
If the tenant still hasn’t filed an answer to the complaint three days after the motion for default judgment is filed with the court, the judicial officer will rule against the tenant, meaning no hearing will be held and the court will order the tenant to move out of the rental unit.
If a tenant only files an appearance, or only files an answer and not an appearance, the court will rule in the landlord’s favor and the eviction process will continue.

Step 4: Court Holds Hearing & Issues Judgment
A hearing will be held only if tenants file both their appearance and their answer by the court-ordered deadlines. The hearing will be held 7-10 days after the answer is received by the court.
If the tenant fails to appear for the hearing, it will not be continued and the judge will make a ruling on the eviction that day.
If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, a summary possession execution will be issued and the eviction process will proceed.
Tenants will have five days to appeal the judicial officer’s decision. If an appeal is filed, the eviction will be stopped until a final ruling is made on the appeal. Otherwise, the eviction process will continue.

Step 5: Writ of Execution Is Issued
The writ of execution is the tenant’s final notice to leave the rental unit and allows them the opportunity to remove their belongings before the sheriff returns to the property to forcibly remove them.
The writ will be issued at least five days after judgment has been entered in favor of the landlord.
This means the tenant will have five days to move out before law enforcement delivers/posts the writ on the premises.
If the tenant remains in the rental unit after the writ is issued, possession of the rental unit will be forcibly returned to the landlord.

Step 6: Possession of Property is Returned
Tenants will have 24 hours once the writ of execution is posted/delivered to move out of the rental unit before the sheriff returns to forcibly remove them.
However, tenants may request a stay of execution not to exceed six months for all evictions except:
- Nonpayment of rent
- Squatters
- Nuisance
- A serious nuisance
For nonpayment of rent, tenants may request a stay of execution not to exceed three months.
Connecticut Eviction Process Timeline
In Connecticut, an eviction can be completed in 4 to 7 weeks but can take longer depending on the reason for eviction, whether the eviction is contested, which days courts are (or aren’t) in session and other various possible delays.
Below are the parts of the Connecticut eviction process outside the control of landlords for cases that go uncontested.
Step | Estimated Time |
---|---|
Initial Notice Period | 3-15 Calendar Days |
Court Issuing/Serving Summons | 12 Calendar Days |
Tenant Response Period | 2-5 Business Days |
Court Ruling | 7-10 Business Days |
Court Serving Writ of Possession | 5 Business Days |
Final Notice Period | 24 Hours |
Flowchart of Connecticut Eviction Process
For additional questions about the eviction process in Connecticut, please refer to the official legislation, Connecticut General Statutes §47a-1 to 47a-42a, and §52-45a to 52-72, for more information.
Sources
- 1 CT Gen Stat §47a-15a (2020)
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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.
- 2 CT Gen Stat §47a-23 (2020)
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(a)(1)(A) By lapse of time… (C) violation of the rental agreement or lease or of any rules or regulations…(D) nonpayment of rent within the grace period provided for residential property… notice to each lessee or occupant to quit possession…at least three days before the termination of the rental agreement or lease…or before the time specified in the notice…to quit…(F) violation of section 47a-11 or subsection (b) of section 21-82; (G) nuisance, as defined in section 47a-32, or serious nuisance.
- 3 CT Gen Stat §47a-15 (2020)
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…which materially affects the health and safety of the other tenants or…the physical condition of the premises, or…a material noncompliance…with the rental agreement or…the rules and regulations…If such breach can be remedied by repair…or payment of damages by the tenant to the landlord, and such breach is not so remedied within such fifteen-day period, the rental agreement shall terminate…
- 4 CT Gen Stat §47a-23 (2020)
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…or (4) when an action…is authorized…for…(A) Refusal to agree to a fair and equitable rent increase… (B) permanent removal…of the dwelling unit…from the housing market, or (C)…intention…to use such dwelling unit as such landlord’s principal residence…notice to each lessee or occupant to quit possession…at least three days before the termination of the rental agreement or lease…or before the time specified in the notice…to quit…
- 5 CT Gen Stat §47a-15 (2020)
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(a) …a serious nuisance or on a violation of subsection (h) of section 47a-11…the landlord shall deliver a written notice to the tenant specifying the acts or omissions constituting the breach and that the rental agreement shall terminate upon a date not less than fifteen days after receipt of the notice.
- 6 CT Gen Stat §47a-15 (2020)
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(A) inflicting bodily harm upon another tenant or the landlord or threatening to inflict such harm…(B) substantial and willful destruction of part of the dwelling unit or premises, (C) conduct which presents an immediate and serious danger to the safety of other tenants or the landlord, or (D) using the premises or allowing the premises to be used for prostitution or the illegal sale of drugs…
- 7 CT Gen Stat §47a-31 (2020)
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When the lessee or tenant of any house, room, tenement or dwelling unit is convicted of keeping a house of…prostitution or lewdness, or of a violation therein of any law against gaming, the lease, contract or rental agreement…shall thereupon be void; and the lessor may recover possession of the premises in the manner prescribed in this chapter, but notice to quit possession shall not be required.
- 8 CT Gen Stat § 47a-13 (2020)
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(3) if the failure to supply such service is wilful, the tenant may terminate the rental agreement and recover an amount not more than two months’ periodic rent or double the actual damages sustained by him, whichever is greater. If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord shall return all security and prepaid rent and interest required pursuant to section 47a-22, recoverable under section 47a-21.
- 9 CT Gen Stat § 47a-20. (Formerly Sec. 19-375a) (2020)
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A landlord shall not maintain an action or proceeding against a tenant to recover possession of a dwelling unit, demand an increase in rent from the tenant, or decrease the services to which the tenant has been entitled within six months after: (1) The tenant has in good faith attempted to remedy by any lawful means, including contacting officials of the state or of any town, city or borough or public agency or filing a complaint with a fair rent commission, any condition constituting a violation of any provisions of chapter 368o, or of chapter 412, or of any other state statute or regulation, or of the housing and health ordinances of the municipality wherein the premises which are the subject of the complaint lie; (2) any municipal agency or official has filed a notice, complaint or order regarding such a violation; (3) the tenant has in good faith requested the landlord to make repairs; (4) the tenant has in good faith instituted an action under subsections (a) to (i), inclusive, of section 47a-14h; or (5) the tenant has organized or become a member of a tenants’ union.
- 10 CT Gen Stat §52-50 (2020)
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(a) All process shall be directed to a state marshal, a constable or other proper officer authorized by statute…A direction on the process “to any proper officer” shall be sufficient to direct the process to a state marshal, constable or other proper officer.
- 11 CT Gen Stat §52-46 (2020)
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Civil process, if returnable to the Supreme Court, shall be served at least thirty days, inclusive, before the day of the sitting of the court, and, if returnable to the Superior Court, at least twelve days, inclusive, before such day.
- 12 CT Gen Stat §52-57 (2020)
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(a) Except as otherwise provided, process in any civil action shall be served by leaving a true and attested copy of it, including the declaration or complaint, with the defendant, or at his usual place of abode, in this state.
- 13 CT Gen Stat §47a-26 (2020)
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If the defendant does not appear within two days after the return day and a motion for judgment for failure to appear and an endorsed copy of the notice to quit is filed with the clerk, the court shall, not later than the first court day after the filing of such motion, enter judgment that the complainant recover possession or occupancy of the premises…
- 14 CT Gen Stat §47a-26a (2020)
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If the defendant appears but does not plead within two days after the return day, the complainant may file a motion for judgment for failure to plead, served upon the defendant…If the defendant fails to plead within three days after receipt of such motion by the clerk, the court shall forthwith enter judgment that the complainant recover possession or occupancy with his costs.
- 15 CT Gen Stat §47a-35 (2020)
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(b) No appeal shall be taken except within such five-day period. If an appeal is taken within such period, execution shall be stayed until the final determination of the cause, unless it appears to the judge who tried the case that the appeal was taken solely for the purpose of delay or unless the defendant fails to give bond…
- 16 CT Gen Stat §47a-35 (2020)
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(a) Execution shall be stayed for five days from the date judgment has been rendered, provided any Sunday or legal holiday intervening shall be excluded in computing such five days.
- 17 CT Gen Stat §47a-35 (2020)
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…the court may grant a stay of execution for a period…not exceeding six months from the date of the judgment in the summary process action upon such conditions and terms as appear fair and equitable, except that such stay of execution shall not exceed three months in the aggregate if the reason for the judgment against the defendant was nonpayment of rent…