Being Evicted
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-23 — a notice to quit at least three days before, then a case in court, then a stay of five days
An eviction, summary process, begins with a written notice to quit, served by a proper officer at least three days before the date it gives for leaving. It states the reason in the statute's words: lapse of time, nonpayment of rent after the grace period, a lease violation, nuisance, or another ground the section lists.
Who handles this in Connecticut: Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut and Connecticut eviction help line; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Connecticut directory.Holding a paper like this? Read my paper can read one for you, free with an account.
- When a tenant does not appear within two days after the return day and the landlord moves for judgment, the court enters judgment for possession not later than the first court day after the motion.
- Execution is stayed for five days after judgment, Sundays and legal holidays not counted, and an appeal has to be taken within those five days.
- Within five days of a judgment for a reason other than nonpayment, nuisance or illegal use, a tenant may apply for a further stay, and the court tells each defendant of that right.
- The court may grant a stay of up to six months in all, or three months where the judgment was for nonpayment, to a tenant who has looked diligently for other housing and cannot find a comparable home nearby.
A state marshal carries out the judgment. The marshal notifies the town, and uses reasonable efforts to notify the tenant not less than twenty four hours before. Belongings removed go to the town's storage place, and are sold at public auction if not reclaimed and paid for within fifteen days.
Sources for this section (6)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-23 — (Formerly Sec. 52-532). Notice to quit possession or occupancy of premises. Form. Delivery. Federal termination notice
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-26 — (Formerly Sec. 52-534). Failure to appear. Judgment
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-35 — (Formerly Sec. 52-542). Stay of execution. Appeal
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-37 — (Formerly Sec. 52-544). Application for stay of execution
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-39 — (Formerly Sec. 52-546). Court may grant stay of execution
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-42 — (Formerly Sec. 52-549). Eviction of tenant and occupants from residential property. Removal and sale of unclaimed possessions and personal effects
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Connecticut attorney.