Connecticut Eviction Law at a Glance
State Statute
Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-23 — Connecticut General Statutes — Summary Process (Eviction)
Notice Periods
- Nonpayment: 3-Day Pay or Quit (Notice to Quit)
- Lease violation: 15-Day Notice to Quit
- Unconditional: 3-Day Notice to Quit (Serious Nuisance)
- End of tenancy: 3-Day Notice to Quit
Available Defenses
- Habitability (Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-7)
- Retaliation (Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-20)
- Procedural defects
- Partial payment waiver
- Discrimination (Fair Housing Act)
Right to Cure
YES — Tenant may cure by paying full amount owed before court judgment
Self-Help Eviction
PROHIBITED — Landlord must use court process (Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-43)
Court & Filing
Superior Court (Housing Session)
Landlord must file summary process (eviction) action in superior court housing session
Complaints: Connecticut Attorney General Consumer Protection Department
Additional Protections
- Connecticut requires landlords to use court summary process — no self-help eviction
- Tenant has right to cure nonpayment by paying full amount before judgment
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Connecticut Eviction Response FAQ
How many days do I have to respond to an eviction notice in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the response deadline depends on the type of eviction notice: Nonpayment: 3-Day Pay or Quit (Notice to Quit); Lease violation: 15-Day Notice to Quit; Unconditional: 3-Day Notice to Quit (Serious Nuisance); End of tenancy: 3-Day Notice to Quit. Missing your deadline can result in a default judgment and forced move-out.
What defenses can I raise against eviction in Connecticut?
Available defenses in Connecticut include: Habitability (Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-7), Retaliation (Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-20), Procedural defects, Partial payment waiver, Discrimination (Fair Housing Act). The availability depends on your specific circumstances.
Does Connecticut require landlords to give tenants a right to cure?
Yes. Tenant may cure by paying full amount owed before court judgment
Can my landlord evict me without going to court in Connecticut?
No. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-43, self-help eviction is prohibited in Connecticut. Your landlord must file in Superior Court (Housing Session) and obtain a judgment.
What should I include in an eviction response letter in Connecticut?
Your letter should: (1) identify the notice by date and type, (2) cite Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-23, (3) assert applicable defenses, (4) demand proper legal procedure, (5) state your intent to defend in court, and (6) be sent via certified mail.
Where can I file a complaint against my landlord in Connecticut?
File complaints with the Connecticut Attorney General Consumer Protection Department and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For illegal self-help eviction, contact local law enforcement.
Eviction Response Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.