Connecticut Eviction Notice Overview
Connecticut uses a 15-day pretermination notice, not 14 days, under C.G.S. §47a-15. This notice must be served before the landlord can file a summary process (eviction) action in Superior Court. Connecticut is one of the most tenant-protective states in New England, with extensive procedural requirements, dedicated Housing Courts, and a strong right-to-cure framework for lease violations.
Connecticut’s summary process statute (C.G.S. §47a-23 et seq.) requires a unique two-step process: first serve the pretermination notice (15 days to cure), then serve a separate Notice to Quit Possession, then file the summary process action. This two-notice requirement is rare among U.S. states and creates significant procedural hurdles. Connecticut Housing Courts in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford have specialized judges and mediators who handle eviction cases.
15 Days
Statutory minimum
$175–$350
Superior Court filing
Written
Notice required
6–10 Wks
Total process
Connecticut’s 15-Day Pretermination Notice
Under C.G.S. §47a-15(a), before a landlord can begin eviction proceedings for a lease violation, they must first serve a written pretermination notice giving the tenant at least 15 days to cure. This is a prerequisite to the Notice to Quit, which is itself a prerequisite to filing. The 15-day period begins on the date of service. If the tenant cures the violation within 15 days, the tenancy continues and no further action can be taken for that specific breach.
Connecticut Notice Periods
15-day pretermination notice: Curable lease violations (C.G.S. §47a-15)
3-day Notice to Quit: Served after pretermination period expires without cure
Lapse of Time notice: Non-renewal of expired lease (C.G.S. §47a-23)
No-fault termination: Requires separate Notice to Quit after lease expiration
Anti-retaliation protection: Cannot evict within 6 months of tenant complaint (C.G.S. §47a-20f)
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in Connecticut
- Unauthorized pets or excessive animals
- Unauthorized occupants not listed on the lease
- Chronic noise complaints documented by management or police reports
- Failure to maintain the unit in a clean and habitable condition
- Parking violations or storage of prohibited items in common areas
- Operating a short-term rental (Airbnb) without landlord permission
Connecticut Legal Requirements
Connecticut courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Format: Connecticut requires all pretermination notices in writing, served on each named tenant separately
- Specific Violation: Describe the lease provision violated and the specific conduct constituting the breach with dates and details
- 15-Day Cure Period: State that the tenant has at least 15 days to cure. Specify the exact calendar date by which the cure must be completed
- Consequence Statement: State that failure to cure will result in termination of the rental agreement and issuance of a Notice to Quit
- Landlord Information: Include landlord or agent name, mailing address, and phone number per C.G.S. §47a-6
- No Retaliation Clause: Avoid serving this notice within 6 months of a tenant’s complaint to a housing inspector (C.G.S. §47a-20f)
Serving the Notice in Connecticut
Proper service is critical in Connecticut. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Service
Hand the notice directly to the tenant or leave it with a person of suitable age and discretion at the tenant’s residence. The 15-day period starts the date of service. This is the strongest method in Connecticut Housing Court.
Abode Service
Leave the notice at the tenant’s last and usual place of abode. Connecticut Superior Court accepts this when personal service fails. Document the date, time, and location.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail, return receipt requested. The notice is considered served on the date of receipt shown on the return receipt. Keep the receipt for court as it constitutes proof of service.
Connecticut Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in Connecticut, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
Connecticut Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Connecticut. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Superior Court Filing Fee | $175 – $350 |
| State Marshal Service | $40 – $75 |
| Entry Fee | $35 – $50 |
| Execution Fee | $50 – $100 |
| Attorney Fees (typical) | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| Mediation (court-sponsored) | Free |
Sample Connecticut Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Connecticut-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under CT law.
PRETERMINATION NOTICE — 15-DAY CURE
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
Pursuant to C.G.S. §47a-15(a)
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [Connecticut Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You have fifteen (15) days from service of this notice to cure the above violation. If you fail to remedy the breach within 15 days, your rental agreement will be terminated, a Notice to Quit Possession will be served, and summary process proceedings will be commenced in Superior Court.