Connecticut Eviction Notice Overview
Connecticut requires a 3-day demand for rent (called a 'Notice to Quit') before filing eviction under CGS Section 47a-23. Connecticut has dedicated Housing Courts in most judicial districts, providing specialized expertise in landlord-tenant matters. There is no 5-day notice provision in Connecticut law.
Understanding the correct notice period is critical for Connecticut landlords. Using a 5-day notice when the law requires a different period will result in the court dismissing the eviction case, costing the landlord additional time and filing fees. Always verify the current Connecticut statutory requirements before serving any eviction notice.
3-day (demand)
Actual notice period
$175 - $200
Court filing fee
Housing
Court type
5-10 Wks
Total process
Why Connecticut Uses 3-day (demand), Not 5 Days
Important: Connecticut Does Not Have a 5-Day Notice
A 5-day eviction notice is not the correct notice period in Connecticut. Under CGS Section 47a-23, the required notice for non-payment of rent is 3-day (demand). Serving a 5-day notice will likely result in the court dismissing your case. Use the correct 3-day (demand) notice period.
States that do use a 5-day notice include Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Connecticut is not among them. The 3-day (demand) notice requirement in Connecticut applies to the most common eviction scenario: non-payment of rent. Other eviction grounds (lease violations, month-to-month terminations) may require different notice periods under Connecticut law.
If you are a landlord in Connecticut, ensure your eviction notice complies with CGS Section 47a-23 and includes all elements required by Housing Court. Using our Connecticut-specific template ensures you have the correct notice period and statutory language.
Connecticut Legal Requirements for Eviction Notices
To withstand judicial scrutiny in Connecticut Housing Court, your eviction notice must contain all elements required by state law. Missing even one required element gives the tenant grounds to challenge the notice.
Required Notice Contents
- Tenant Names: Full legal names of all adult tenants on the lease agreement
- Property Address: Complete address including unit number, city, and Connecticut county
- Amount Owed: For non-payment cases, specific dollar amount of rent due plus any lawful late fees
- Notice Period: Clear statement of the 3-day (demand) period to pay or vacate as required by CGS Section 47a-23
- Consequences: Warning that failure to pay or vacate will result in eviction proceedings in Housing Court
- Landlord Information: Name, signature, and contact information of the landlord or property manager
- Date of Service: The date the notice is delivered, which starts the 3-day (demand) clock
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Connecticut
Proper service of the eviction notice is essential under Connecticut law. Housing Court judges regularly dismiss cases where the landlord cannot demonstrate proper service.
Personal Hand-Delivery (Preferred)
Deliver the notice directly to the tenant in person. Bring a witness or use a process server for documentation. This is the method Connecticut courts trust most.
Substituted Service
If the tenant is not available, leave the notice with a competent adult (18+) residing at the property. Record the name and date of service.
Post and Mail
Post the notice on the main entry door and mail a copy via first-class or certified mail. Use this as a last resort when personal delivery fails.
Document Everything
Prepare a proof of service affidavit recording the date, time, method, and witnesses. Connecticut courts require this when filing the eviction complaint.
File After Notice Period Expires
Once the 3-day (demand) period expires without payment or vacancy, file the eviction complaint at the Housing Court in the jurisdiction where the property is located.
Connecticut Eviction Timeline
The eviction process in Connecticut follows a specific timeline from notice to enforcement. A typical uncontested eviction takes approximately 5-10 Wks from the date the notice is served. Contested cases can take significantly longer.
After the 3-day (demand) notice period expires and the complaint is filed, the court schedules a hearing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the notice, lease, and proof of service. If the landlord prevails, the court enters a judgment for possession.
Following the judgment, the tenant has a limited time to appeal or vacate. If the tenant does not leave voluntarily, the landlord obtains a writ of possession, and the sheriff or constable enforces the removal. Self-help evictions are illegal in Connecticut and can expose the landlord to substantial liability.
Connecticut Eviction Filing Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Connecticut. Actual fees may vary by county and specific circumstances.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Housing Court Filing Fee | $175 - $200 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $75 |
| Writ of Possession | $25 - $100 |
| Attorney Fees (Uncontested) | $400 - $2,000 |
Sample Connecticut Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of the Connecticut-specific eviction notice using the correct 3-day (demand) notice period required by CGS Section 47a-23.
NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
Pursuant to CGS Section 47a-23
TO TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Address: [Full Connecticut Address]
NOTICE:
You are notified that rent in the amount of $[Amount] is past due. Pursuant to CGS Section 47a-23, you have 3-DAY (DEMAND) from the date of service to pay the total amount due or surrender possession.
CONNECTICUT COMPLIANCE
This notice uses the correct 3-day (demand) period required by Connecticut law under CGS Section 47a-23. A 5-day notice is not valid in Connecticut.