Locked Out by the Landlord
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-214 — a lockout without a court order is a crime, and the tenant may recover double damages
A landlord, owner or agent who, without a court order, deprives a tenant of access to the unit or the tenant's possessions commits criminal lockout, a class C misdemeanor.
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.
- A person put out of possession by force, or whose belongings were removed or held, or who would have to damage the premises or breach the peace to get back in, may bring a complaint to a judge of the Superior Court.
- The judge issues a summons at once for a hearing within eight days, served six days before the day set.
- If the entry or holding by force is proved, the tenant may recover double damages and costs in a civil action.
Sources for this section (3)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-214 — Criminal lockout: Class C misdemeanor
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-43 — (Formerly Sec. 52-462). Complaint and procedure: Forcible entry and detainer; entry and detainer
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-46 — (Formerly Sec. 52-465). When double damages allowable
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Connecticut attorney.