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Frequently Asked Questions en español
  1. What are some rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant?
  2. How do I evict a tenant?
  3. How do I defend against an eviction action?
  4. What courts handle housing matters?
  5. What is the interest rate for security deposits?
  6. Is e-filing available for housing matters?
  7. Can I use the Judicial Branch website to look up the name of a landlord or tenant to see if they have been a party in an eviction action?
  8. What is the Right to Counsel Program?

Note: These lists are not ALL of the rights and responsibilities of landlord and tenant.

1. What are some rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant?

Tenant's responsibilities/Landlord's rights:

  • Pay the rent on time.
    • Must be paid by midnight on the ninth day after the day it is due, or the landlord may start legal proceedings to evict the tenant.
  • Keep the apartment and the surrounding area clean and in good condition.
  • Keep noise to a level that will not disturb your neighbors.
  • Repair any damage occurring to the apartment through the fault of the tenant, family members or guests. Notify landlord at once of major damage.
  • Give the landlord permission to enter the apartment at reasonable times and with advance notice to inspect it or to make any necessary repairs.
  • Notify the landlord of any anticipated prolonged absence from the apartment so he or she can keep an eye on things.
  • When moving out, give landlord proper advance notice. Be sure that the apartment is in the same condition as when the tenant moved in and return the key to the landlord promptly.
  • Notify the landlord immediately if the apartment needs repair through no fault of the tenant.
  • For further information view the publication Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants, JDP-HM-31 or (en español JDP-HM-31S)

Landlord's responsibilities/Tenant's rights:

  • A clean apartment when the tenant moves in;
  • Clean common areas (hallways, stairs, yards, entryways);
  • Well lit hallways and entryways; and,
  • Properly working plumbing and heating (both hot and cold running water).

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2. How do I evict a tenant?

Eviction can be based on the grounds listed in section 47a-23 of the Connecticut General Statutes. The most common reasons are:
  • Nonpayment of rent;
  • Lapse of time (expiration of lease); or,
  • Where one originally had the right or privilege to occupy the premises but that right or privilege has terminated.
Governor Lamont's Executive Order 12D which was extended through February 15, 2022 by Executive Order 14A, adds additional requirements for landlords seeking evict tenants.

For further information on this process, view the publication A Landlord's Guide to Summary Process (Eviction), JDP-HM-14 or (en español, JDP-HM-14S), or obtain a copy from the Clerk's Office of any court handling housing matters, or by emailing a request to Court.ServiceCenter@jud.ct.gov.

Find your Housing Session location.

3. How do I defend against an eviction action?
For further information on this process, view the publication A Tenant's Guide to Summary Process (Eviction), JDP-HM-15 or (en español, JDP-HM-15S) in Adobe Acrobat PDF, or obtain a copy from the Clerk's Office of any court handling housing matters, or by emailing a request to Court.ServiceCenter@jud.ct.gov.

If you are being evicted for nonpayment of rent, you may qualify for rental assistance through the state's UniteCT program. To learn more and to apply, visit UniteCT - Emergency Rental Assistance for Connecticut's Economy.

Find your Housing Session location.

4. What courts handle housing matters? 
Housing matters are either handled in special Housing Sessions or as part of the regular Judicial District docket, depending on where the property is. To find out where to file your housing matter, you can search by town from the following link - Housing Matters - Where to File

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5. What is the interest rate for security deposits?
To see a list of interest rates for recent years go to: https://portal.ct.gov/DOB/Rental-Security-Deposits/Rental-Security-Deposits/Rental-Security-Deposits

Year Rate
January 1, 2022 0.06%
January 1, 2021 0.08%
January 1, 2020 0.15%
January 1, 2019 0.15%
January 1, 2018 0.09%
January 1, 2017 0.08%
January 1, 2016 0.08%
January 1, 2015 0.08%
January 1, 2014 0.09%
January 1, 2013 0.11%
January 1, 2012 0.16%
January 1, 2011 1.50%
January 1, 2010 1.50%
January 1, 2009 1.50%
January 1, 2008 1.50%
January 1, 2007 1.50%
January 1, 2006 1.50%
January 1, 2005 1.50%
January 1, 2004 1.50%
January 1, 2003 1.50%
January 1, 2002 1.50%
January 1, 2001 2.40%
January 1, 2000 2.20%
January 1, 1999 2.30%
January 1, 1998 2.60%
January 1, 1997 2.80%
January 1, 1996 3.10%
January 1, 1995 2.80%
January 1, 1994 2.50%
July 1, 1993 2.90%
October 1, 1992 4.00%
October 1, 1982 5.25%
October 1, 1973 4.00%

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6. Is e-filing available for housing matters?
E-filing is available in the housing sessions at Bridgeport, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Stamford, and Waterbury for housing matters filed on or after March 1, 2016; for housing matters filed on or after October 1, 2015, in the judicial districts of Danbury, Meriden, Middlesex, Norwich, and Tolland; and for housing matters filed on or after January 1, 2017, in the judicial districts of Ansonia/Milford, Litchfield, New London, and Windham.

Note: Prior to January 1, 2017, housing cases in the judicial districts of Ansonia/Milford, Litchfield, New London and Windham were filed in the Geographical Area locations of G.A. 5 at Derby, G.A. 18 at Bantam, G.A. 10 at New London, G.A. 11 at Danielson respectively.

In these housing sessions and judicial districts, case initiation documents and all other motions, pleadings or documents filed in newly-filed housing cases of the following types are e-filable:
  • Summary Process (H00);
  • Housing - Return of Security Deposit (H10);
  • Housing - Rent and/or Damages (H12);
  • Housing - Administrative Appeal (H50);
  • Housing - Municipality Enforcement (H60);
  • Housing - Bed Bug Infestation (H70) and
  • Housing - All Other (H90).

After cases of the following types have been initiated on paper, subsequent motions, pleadings and documents can be filed electronically:

  • Housing - Housing Code Enforcement (H20);
  • Housing - Entry and Detainer (H30) and
  • Housing - Audita Querela/Injunction (H40).

E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and law firms without an exemption from E-Services requirements and optional for self-represented parties.

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7. Can I use the Judicial Branch website to look up the name of a landlord or tenant to see if they have been a party in an eviction action?
Housing case information on the Judicial Branch website is not intended for use in landlord or tenant screening. It does not contain personal identifying information necessary to adequately identify the parties.

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8. What is the Right to Counsel Program?
Public Act 21-34 created a Right to Counsel Program for certain tenants living in residential properties. Tenants who are income-eligible may be able to have a free lawyer represent them if they are facing eviction or loss of their housing subsidy. The program is expected to start in January 2022. For more information, call 1-800-559-1565 or visit www.EvictionHelpCT.org.

Notice about the right to counsel program

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