Landlord/Tenant/Housing FAQs - CT Judicial Branch

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en">  <head id="Head1" runat="server">  <title>Landlord/Tenant/Housing FAQs - CT Judicial Branch</title>   <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=Edge" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" />  <meta name="DESCRIPTION" content="This is the official website of the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch. It is the mission of the Connecticut Judicial Branch to resolve matters brought before it in a fair, timely, efficient and open manner.">   <meta name="KEYWORDS" content="Connecticut, Judicial, Civil, Opinion, Criminal, Law Libraries, Juror, Jury, Victim, Small Claims, Justice, Supreme, Trial, Appellate, Court, Judical, Attorney, Judge, Court, docket, Housing, Landlord, Grievance, Bar Exam, Legal, Probate, Superior, Magistrate, Marshal"> <style type="text/css"> .auto-style4 { border-collapse: collapse; } .auto-style9 { color: #FFFFFF; } .auto-style12 { border-style: solid; border-width: 0; background-color: #cfc0a7; } </style>  <link href="/JudMaster/stylesheets/JudMaster.css?v2" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <script src="https://www.jud.ct.gov/CDN/JQuery/Jquery-min.js" type="text/javascript"></script>  </head> <body> <header id="JudMaster_Header" class="MasterHeader"></header> <form id="form1" runat="server"> <div id="wrapper"> <section class="MasterCanvas"> <div id="JudMaster_LeftNav"> </div> <section class="MasterContent"> <article class="Jud-Page"> <section class="fullWidth"> <div ID="JudMaster_PageContent" runat="server">  <span class="H1"><br>Landlord / Tenant / Housing</span>  <span id="QL"> <div style="background-color:#1f3776; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size:1.15em; font-weight: bold; color: #FFFFFF; text-align: center; padding:4px; margin-bottom:4px">Quick Links</div> <span class="QL_links"> <a href="../housing.htm">Housing Case Look-up</a><br> <a href="../webforms/default.aspx?load_catg=Housing#searchTable">Housing Forms</a><br> <a href="../external/super/housingcode.htm">Housing Session Location Codes</a><br> <a href="../pub.htm#housing">Housing Publications</a> - <a href="../espanol.htm#Publicaciones">en español</a><br> <a href="../directory/directory/housing.htm">Housing Sessions Directory</a><br> <a href="../directory/directory/directions/housing.htm">Where to File</a><br> <a href="http://www.jud.ct.gov/faq/limited_scope_rep.htm">Limited Scope Representation FAQs</a><br> <a href="../UniteCT_Eviction_Prevention_Fund.pdf">UniteCT Eviction Prevention Fund</a><br> <a href="../HomePDFs/RighttoCounselNotice02232023.pdf">Notice of the Right to Counsel Program</a><br> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Office-of-the-Governor/Executive-Orders/Lamont-Executive-Orders/Executive-Order-No-12D.pdf">Executive Order 12D</a><br> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Office-of-the-Governor/Executive-Orders/Lamont-Executive-Orders/Executive-Order-No-14A.pdf">Executive Order 14A</a><br> <a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/ACT/PA/PDF/2021PA-00034-R00HB-06531-PA.PDF">Public Act 21-34</a></span></span>  <span class="Header_red"><br>Frequently Asked Questions</span> <span class="text"><a href="sp/landlord.html">en español</a></span> <ol class="FAQ_question"> <li><a href="#responsibilities">What are some rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant?</a> </li> <li> <a href="#evict"> How do I evict a tenant?</a> </li> <li> <a href="#defend"> How do I defend against an eviction action?</a> </li> <li> <a href="#housing"> What courts handle housing matters?</a> </li> <li> <a href="#interest"> What is the interest rate for security deposits?</a> </li> <li> <a href="#6">Is e-filing available for housing matters?</a></li> <li> <a href="#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?</a></li> <li><a href="#8">What is the Right to Counsel Program?</a></li> </ol> <p class="text">Note: These lists are not ALL of the rights and responsibilities of landlord and tenant.</p> <span class="Med_Arial_Bold"><a id="1">1</a>. What are some rights and <a id="responsibilities">responsibilities</a> of the landlord and tenant?</span> <p class="text_large" style="color:#CC0000;"><strong>Tenant's responsibilities/Landlord's rights:</strong></p> <ul class="text" style="line-height:175%;"> <li>Pay the rent on time.</li> 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. <li>Keep the apartment and the surrounding area clean and in good condition.</li> <li>Keep noise to a level that will not disturb your neighbors.</li> <li>Repair any damage occurring to the apartment through the fault of the tenant, family members or guests. Notify landlord at once of major damage.</li> <li>Give the landlord permission to enter the apartment at reasonable times and with advance notice to inspect it or to make any necessary repairs.</li> <li>Notify the landlord of any anticipated prolonged absence from the apartment so he or she can keep an eye on things.<li>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.</li> <li>Notify the landlord immediately if the apartment needs repair through no fault of the tenant.</li> <li>For further information view the publication <a href="../Publications/hm031.pdf">Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants, JDP-HM-31</a> or <a href="../Publications/Spanish/HM031s.pdf">(en español JDP-HM-31S)</a></li> </ul> <p class="text_large" style="color:#CC0000;"><strong>Landlord's responsibilities/Tenant's rights:</strong></p> <ul class="text" style="line-height:175%;"> <li>A clean apartment when the tenant moves in; </li> <li>Clean common areas (hallways, stairs, yards, entryways); <li>Well lit hallways and entryways; and, <li>Properly working plumbing and heating (both hot and cold running water).</li> </ul> <p class="text"><a href="#top">Top</a></p> <p class="Med_Arial_Bold">2. How do I <a id="evict">evict</a> a tenant?</p> <span class="text"><strong>Eviction can be based on the grounds listed in section 47a-23 of the Connecticut General Statutes. The most common reasons are:</strong></span> <ul class="text" style="line-height:175%;"> <li>Nonpayment of rent;</li> <li>Lapse of time (expiration of lease); or,</li> <li>Where one originally had the right or privilege to occupy the premises but that right or privilege has terminated.</li> </ul> <span class="text"> Governor Lamont's <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Office-of-the-Governor/Executive-Orders/Lamont-Executive-Orders/Executive-Order-No-12D.pdf">Executive Order 12D</a> which was extended through February 15, 2022 by <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Office-of-the-Governor/Executive-Orders/Lamont-Executive-Orders/Executive-Order-No-14A.pdf">Executive Order 14A</a>, adds additional requirements for landlords seeking evict tenants.<br /><br /> For further information on this process, view the publication <a href="../Publications/hm014.pdf">A Landlord's Guide to Summary Process (Eviction), JDP-HM-14</a> or <a href="../Publications/Spanish/HM014S.pdf">(en español, JDP-HM-14S)</a>, or obtain a copy from the Clerk's Office of any court handling housing matters, or by emailing a request to <a href="mailto:Court.ServiceCenter@jud.ct.gov"> Court.ServiceCenter@jud.ct.gov</a>. <br><br> <a href="../directory/directory/directions/housing.htm">Find your Housing Session location.</a></span><span class="Med_Arial_Bold"><br><br>3. How do I <a id="defend">defend</a> against an eviction action?</span><br> <span class="text">For further information on this process, view the publication <a href="../Publications/hm015.pdf">A Tenant's Guide to Summary Process (Eviction), JDP-HM-15</a> or <a href="../Publications/Spanish/HM015S.pdf">(en español, JDP-HM-15S)</a> 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 <a href="mailto:Court.ServiceCenter@jud.ct.gov"> Court.ServiceCenter@jud.ct.gov</a>. <br><br> If you are being evicted for nonpayment of rent, you may qualify for rental assistance through the state's <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DOH/UniteCT/English-Flyer.pdf">UniteCT program</a>. To learn more and to apply, visit <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DOH/DOH/Programs/UniteCT">UniteCT - Emergency Rental Assistance for Connecticut's Economy</a>.<br /><br /> <a href="../directory/directory/directions/housing.htm">Find your Housing Session location.</a></span> <span class="Med_Arial_Bold"><br><br>4. What courts handle <a id="housing">housing</a> matters? </span><br> <span class="text">Housing matters are either handled in special <a href="../directory/directory/housing.htm">Housing Sessions</a> 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 - <a href="../directory/directory/directions/housing.htm"> Housing Matters - Where to File</a></span> <br> <p class="text"><a href="#top">Top</a></p> <p><span class="Med_Arial_Bold">5. What is the <a id="interest">interest</a> rate for security deposits?</span><br><span class="text">To see a list of interest rates for recent years go to: <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DOB/Rental-Security-Deposits/Rental-Security-Deposits/Rental-Security-Deposits">https://portal.ct.gov/DOB/Rental-Security-Deposits/Rental-Security-Deposits/Rental-Security-Deposits</a></span></p> <div> <table id="table1" border="0" bordercolor="#111111" cellpadding="5" class="auto-style4" style="text-align: center; width: 200px;"> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" bgcolor="#1F3776" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style9"> <strong>Year</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#1F3776" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style9"> <strong>Rate</strong></td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> January 1, 2022</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 0.06%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 2021</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 0.08%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> January 1, 2020</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 0.15%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 2019</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 0.15%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> January 1, 2018</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 0.09%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 2017</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 0.08%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> January 1, 2016</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 0.08%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 2015</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 0.08%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> January 1, 2014</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 0.09% </td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 2013</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 0.11%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> January 1, 2012</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 0.16%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 2011</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 1.50%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%">January 1, 2010</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50">1.50%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 2009</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 1.50%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%">January 1, 2008</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50">1.50%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 2007</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 1.50%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%">January 1, 2006</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50">1.50%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 2005</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 1.50%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> January 1, 2004</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 1.50%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 2003</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 1.50%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> January 1, 2002</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 1.50%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 2001</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 2.40%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> January 1, 2000</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 2.20%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 1999</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 2.30%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> January 1, 1998</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 2.60%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 1997</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 2.80%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> January 1, 1996</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 3.10%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> January 1, 1995</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 2.80%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> January 1, 1994</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 2.50%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> July 1, 1993</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 2.90%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> October 1, 1992</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 4.00%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%" class="auto-style12"> October 1, 1982</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50" class="auto-style12"> 5.25%</td> </tr> <tr class="text"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="80%"> October 1, 1973</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50"> 4.00%</td> </tr> </table> </div> <p class="text"><a href="#top">Top</a></p> <span class="text_large"><strong><a name="6">6</a>. Is e-filing available for housing matters?</strong></span><br> <span class="text">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.<br> <strong><br>Note:</strong> 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.<br> <br><span style="font-weight:bold;">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:</span></span> <ul class="text" style="line-height:175%;"> <li>Summary Process (H00); <li>Housing - Return of Security Deposit (H10); <li>Housing - Rent and/or Damages (H12); <li>Housing - Administrative Appeal (H50); <li>Housing - Municipality Enforcement (H60);<li>Housing - Bed Bug Infestation (H70) and<li>Housing - All Other (H90). </li> </ul> <p class="text"><strong>After cases of the following types have been initiated on paper, subsequent motions, pleadings and documents can be filed electronically:</strong></p> <ul class="text" style="line-height:175%;"> <li>Housing - Housing Code Enforcement (H20); <li>Housing - Entry and Detainer (H30) and <li>Housing - Audita Querela/Injunction (H40). </li> </ul> <p class="text">E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and law firms without an exemption from E-Services requirements and optional for self-represented parties.<br></p> <p class="text"><a href="#top">Top</a></p> <span class="text_large"><strong><a name="7">7</a>. 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?</strong></span><br> <span class="text">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.</span></span> <p class="text"><a href="#top">Top</a></p> <span class="text_large"><strong><a name="8">8</a>. What is the Right to Counsel Program?</strong></span><br> <span class="text"><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/ACT/PA/PDF/2021PA-00034-R00HB-06531-PA.PDF">Public Act 21-34</a> 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 <a href="http://www.evictionhelpct.org/">www.EvictionHelpCT.org</a>.<br /><br /> <a href="../HomePDFs/RighttoCounselNotice02232023.pdf">Notice about the right to counsel program</a> </span></span> <p class="text"><a href="#top">Top</a></p> <p> </p>  </div> </section> </article> </section> </section> </div> <footer id="JudMaster_Footer" class="MasterFooter" style="font-size:1em;"></footer> </form> <script src="/JudMaster/scripts/JudMaster.js?v2" type="text/javascript"></script> </body>  </html>

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Landlord/Tenant/Housing FAQs - CT Judicial Branch