| Legal Reasons for Entry |
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| Notice Requirement |
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| Penalties for Illegal Entry |
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Does a Landlord Have the Right To Enter a Rental Property in Connecticut?
Connecticut landlords have the right to enter rental property for the following reasons:
- Inspecting the property.
- Improvements.
- Maintenance and repairs.
- Showing the property to potential renters and buyers.
- Emergencies.
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Connecticut?
Connecticut landlords can legally enter a rental property without permission if the tenant is on an extended absence from the premises, or there’s an emergency.
Can a Landlord Enter Without the Tenant Present in Connecticut?
Connecticut landlords can enter without the tenant present.
Can a Landlord Show a House While Occupied in Connecticut?
Connecticut landlords can show an occupied house. The renter can’t unreasonably refuse.
How Often Can Landlords Conduct Routine Inspections in Connecticut?
Connecticut landlords have no specific limit on how often they can enter for inspections. The landlord isn’t allowed to enter unreasonably often, but what’s reasonable gets decided case by case.
How Much Notice Does a Landlord Need To Provide in Connecticut?
Connecticut landlords must deliver reasonable advance notice before entering, except in emergencies or when the renter is on an extended absence. What’s reasonable will depend, case to case, but a minimum of 24 hours is always recommended.
Can a Landlord Enter Without Notice in Connecticut?
Connecticut landlords generally aren’t allowed to enter without notice. The law requires reasonable advance notice in all cases except emergencies or when the renter is on an extended absence.
How Can Landlords Notify Tenants of an Intention To Enter in Connecticut?
Connecticut landlords can notify tenants verbally or in writing about an intention to enter.
Can a Tenant Refuse Entry to a Landlord in Connecticut?
Connecticut tenants can refuse the landlord’s entry if it’s not done in a reasonable manner, or if the landlord wants to enter for a reason that’s not allowed by the law or lease.
What Happens If the Tenant Illegally Refuses Entry to the Landlord in Connecticut?
Connecticut landlords can do any of the following if the tenant illegally refuses entry:
- Get a court order to force access.
- Sue to cancel the rental agreement.
- Recover court costs and attorney fees from the tenant.
- Recover cost of any actual damages.
Can a Tenant Change the Locks Without Permission in Connecticut?
Connecticut tenants can change locks without permission if the lease doesn’t say otherwise. However, the landlord can sue if the tenant makes him unable to enter for an allowed reason, or if entering would damage the property.
What Can a Tenant Do If the Landlord Enters Illegally in Connecticut?
Connecticut tenants can do any of the following if the landlord enters illegally:
- Get a court order to ban the landlord from entering.
- Sue to cancel the rental agreement.
- Recover court costs and attorney fees from the landlord.
- Recover cost of any actual damages (minimum one month’s rent).
Sources
- 1 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-16 (2021)
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“(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.”
Source Link - 2 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-16a (2021)
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“Unless otherwise agreed, the tenant shall be required to notify the landlord of any anticipated extended absence from the premises and the landlord thereupon may enter the dwelling unit at reasonable times during such prolonged absence 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.”
Source Link - 3 Resurreccion v. Normandy Heights, 2002 Ct. Sup. 12173, 12177 (Conn. Super. Ct. 2002)
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“The property manager allowed the workers… as had been requested by the plaintiff. However, the defendant did not give the plaintiff notice… The plaintiff was not required to notify the defendant of her absence because two days is not an extended absence. Furthermore, the plaintiff specifically requested that the defendant should not enter the apartment during her absence. This entry was not for an emergency. The entry therefore, was an unauthorized entry in violation of General Statutes § 47a-16. ”
Source Link - 4 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-18 (2021)
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“If the tenant refuses to allow entry pursuant to section 47a-16 or section 47a-16a, the landlord may obtain a declaratory judgment or injunctive relief to compel access or terminate the rental agreement. In either case the landlord may recover actual damages and reasonable attorney’s fees.”
Source Link - 5 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 43a-43(a)(4) (2021)
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“[W]hen the party put out of possession would be required to cause damage to the premises or commit a breach of the peace in order to regain possession, the party thus ejected, held out of possession, or suffering damage may exhibit his complaint to any judge of the Superior Court.”
Source Link - 6 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-18a (2021)
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“If the landlord makes an entry prohibited by section 47a-16 or 47a-16a, or makes repeated demands for entry otherwise lawful but which have the effect of unreasonably harassing the tenant, the tenant may recover actual damages not less than an amount equal to one month’s rent and reasonable attorney’s fees. The tenant may also obtain injunctive relief to prevent the recurrence of the conduct or terminate the rental agreement.”
Source Link
