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Connecticut continues to be one of the most tenant-friendly states and it is important that all landlords and tenants are prepared to deal with eviction issues the moment they arise.  The Romanello Law firm has represented numerous landlords and tenants in housing disputes giving us a unique and comprehensive view of the issues that arise in these types of cases. Our team uses that knowledge to help solve those issues in the swiftest and most cost-effective way possible.  

From the initial Notice to Quit until the final housing court decision, it is imperative our clients understand their rights when faced with the eviction process. The legal process for eviction can oftentimes be unclear. Allowing us to help you navigate this process will lead to better outcomes and quicker results.

Our services include handling actions involving:

• Eviction and lease enforcement
• Nonpayment of rent, subleasing violations, and other lease violations
• Tenants engaged in loud parties, keeping aggressive pets, and other nuisance and problem tenant conflicts
• Disputes over repairs and maintenance
• Breach of contract lawsuits

Summary process eviction is designed to put your case in front of a judge more quickly than a typical court case allows. Typically, this involves enforcement of lease terms, the most common being nonpayment of rent, in order to remove tenants that are negatively impacting landlords.  The summary process is especially useful in urgent situations where damage or destruction of your property appears imminent.

Nonpayment of Rent

While a lease may cover the way the property will be used, the core of a lease agreement is that it allows the tenant to occupy the property in exchange for periodic (typically monthly) rental payments. As a result, the nonpayment of rent is among the most egregious—and unfortunately, the most common —violation of a lease agreement.

Landlords should do everything they can to enforce their rights when the rent has stopped coming in. In many cases, addressing the nonpayment of rent as soon as possible can rectify the problem before it gets out of control and can mitigate any losses that you could sustain.

Connecticut law allows landlords to begin eviction proceedings against tenants just a few days after the rent is due. The law states that the rent is immediately late and that, after a brief grace period, the landlord may initiate legal proceedings to address the late payment.

When eviction proceedings are brought against a tenant for unpaid rent, both landlords and tenants have rights. Having an experienced attorney representing you can help ensure that you follow the legal procedures associated with eviction. Tenants may have the option to raise legal defenses to eviction that may allow them to stay in the unit. Commonly raised defenses to eviction include:

• The rent has been paid in full
• The rent was tendered by the tenant and refused by the landlord
• Improper service of a notice to quit
• The landlord engaged in self-help eviction
• The unit was not adequately maintained by the landlord

A landlord’s failure to act promptly can eliminate the ability to use the legal system to enforce a lease and protect the landlord’s rights.

Are you a landlord or a tenant that is considering breaking a lease agreement? Contact us today to learn about the options that are available to you.