Connecticut's summary process requires state marshal service and observes a 9-day rent grace period. Get the procedure exactly right.
Connecticut's eviction process is called a Summary Process action and is governed by Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832. Cases are filed in housing court (in the four judicial districts that have one) or in superior court. Connecticut is moderately tenant-protective, with extended notice periods and significant tenant defenses available. Uncontested cases typically take six to ten weeks; contested cases can extend significantly longer.
Connecticut has dedicated housing courts in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Waterbury that handle landlord-tenant cases exclusively. In other parts of the state, summary process cases go to superior court. The dedicated housing courts tend to move cases faster than superior courts handling general civil dockets.
For non-payment of rent, Connecticut requires a 3-day Notice to Quit. The notice must specify the reason for termination (non-payment) and demand that the tenant vacate within three days. Connecticut law (Conn. Gen. Stat. 47a-15a) provides tenants with a 9-day grace period for monthly rent — meaning rent is not "late" until 9 days after due date for monthly tenancies, and notices served before that grace period expires are defective.
For lease violations, Connecticut typically requires a 15-day Kapa notice (notice of violation with 15 days to cure) under Conn. Gen. Stat. 47a-15. If the tenant does not cure within 15 days, you may then serve a 3-day notice to quit and proceed.
For month-to-month tenancies without cause, Connecticut requires a 3-day notice to quit. Notices must be served by a state marshal or other authorized process server — landlord-served notices are not valid. This is unusual among states and a common reason Connecticut cases get dismissed.
After the notice to quit expires, you may file a summary process complaint in the appropriate court. Filing fees in Connecticut are typically $175 to $225. The complaint must be served by a state marshal at least twelve days before the return date.
The tenant has two days from the return date to file an appearance. If the tenant fails to appear, you may seek a default judgment. If the tenant appears, they have five additional days to file an answer.
Connecticut summary process hearings are typically held within two to four weeks of the return date. Bring your lease, the notice to quit and proof of service, your rent ledger, and documentation of any violations. Connecticut courts strictly enforce procedural requirements — defective notices and improper service are common grounds for dismissal.
If you prevail, the court issues a judgment of possession. The tenant typically has five days to vacate before the execution can be issued. Tenants in Connecticut have significant appeal rights and can also request a stay of execution for up to six months under certain circumstances.
Hartford County, anchored by the city of Hartford, includes the Hartford Housing Court — one of Connecticut's four dedicated housing courts. The Hartford Housing Court at 80 Washington Street handles all summary process cases for properties in Hartford County. Cases tend to move faster here than in superior courts handling general civil matters.
Fairfield County, in the southwest corner of the state, includes the cities of Bridgeport, Stamford, and Norwalk. Bridgeport has its own dedicated housing court that handles cases for the surrounding area. Fairfield County's high-cost rental market and proximity to New York City make it one of Connecticut's most active eviction venues. For detailed landlord-tenant law specific to each county — including housing court information, court contacts, and procedural details — see Hartford County landlord-tenant law and Fairfield County landlord-tenant law.
Connecticut's summary process requirements are technical and unforgiving. Notices must be served by state marshals (not landlords), the 9-day grace period for rent must be observed, and proper sequencing of Kapa notices and quit notices is essential. See the full Connecticut landlord-tenant law guide for notice templates, marshal information, security deposit rules, and county-specific information.
Once the execution issues, a state marshal executes the eviction. Connecticut requires extensive notice to the tenant before the actual lockout date. Be present with a locksmith. Document the unit's condition thoroughly.
Connecticut law requires landlords to handle tenant property carefully after eviction. Property must be inventoried, stored for a specified period, and the tenant given notice and opportunity to retrieve. Improper disposal can result in liability for the property's value.