Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Connecticut

Have you been served with an eviction (summary process summons and complaint)? If you have been served, you must file an appearance with the court no later than 2 days after the Return Date on your Court Summons. In cases of nonpayment, such as this one, you may choose to file a Special Defense claiming that your dwelling unit has serious housing or health code violations (if that is the case). A housing mediator would then inspect your unit to determine whether these conditions exist. After trial, if you win your case, you may stay in the premises. However, if you lose the case you will have 5 days to leave the premises. In cases of nonpayment of rent, you can apply to the court to stay in the premises for up to 3 more months if you cannot find another place to live. In order to receive more time you must deposit with the court the full amount of arrearage owed to your landlord, and fill out and file a Stay of Execution Application. Theoretically this is not an option for you because you stated you cannot pay the rent owed to your landlord.

If you have any further questions please contact Joseph C. Maya, Esq. at (203) 221-3100 or e-mail him directly at [email protected].