How to Evict Someone in Connecticut
- 1). File the Notice to Quit form with the court clerk. In the form, you must include the name and the exact address of every person you want to evict. Also, include the reason for the eviction. Sign the form and make enough copies for distribution to the number of tenants you are evicting. Keep a copy for yourself.
- 2). Serve the Notice to Quit. The state marshal can deliver the notice for a fee of approximately $35 to $45, as of 2010. The marshal will sign the original and return it to you. This is referred to as the State Marshal's Return of Service.
- 3). If the tenant does not move out after receiving the Notice to Quit, return to the clerk's office and file the Notice to Quit, a summons, a complaint and the State Marshal's Return of Service. A summons is an order for the tenant to appear in court. The tenant will have a certain number of days to respond to the complaint by filing a response; this date is called the "return date." The complaint will set forth the claim for which you seek relief.
- 4). Serve the summons and complaint on the tenant. The cost for the marshal to serve the tenant is approximately $45 to $60, as 2010. The marshal will return the original summons and complaint to you.
- 5). File the summons and complaint, along with the Notice to Quit, with the court clerk at least four days before the return date.
- 6). Pay the filing fee. It is approximately $120, as 2010.
- 7). If the defendant fails to respond to the complaint or to file an appearance within two days after the return date, file a Motion for a Default Judgment for Failure to Appear and a Military Affidavit, a sworn statement regarding whether the defendant is in the U.S. armed forces, with the court clerk. Mail the motion to the tenant. Wait for notice through the mail that the judge entered a default judgment in your favor. The tenant will have five days from the judgment date to leave the rental.
- 8). If the tenant files an appearance but does not file a response to the complaint, you may file a Motion for a Default Judgment for Failure to Appear and a Military Affidavit with the clerk. If the tenant fails to file a response within three days from the filing of the Motion, send a copy of the Motion to the tenant. The judge will issue a default judgment in your favor. You will receive notice via the mail. The tenant will have five days from the judgment date to leave the rental.
- 9). If the tenant files a response, such as an answer or a special pleading, you must file a reply with the clerk and mail a copy to the tenant. The clerk will set a court date. On your assigned court date, you and the tenant will meet with a mediator. If you and the tenant are able to reach an agreement, the judge will have discretion on whether to approve it. If an agreement is not reached, you will proceed to trial. After the judge hears the evidence, the judge will issue a decision.