Notice to Cure or Quit for Lease Violations in Connecticut
For a lease violation other than unpaid rent or a serious nuisance, a Connecticut landlord gives a 15-day written notice first. Here is what it must say, how a tenant can cure and which tenants have extra protection.
What is the Connecticut notice for a lease violation?
Before starting an eviction for a material noncompliance with the rental agreement, the landlord must deliver a written notice specifying the acts or omissions and that the rental agreement will terminate on a date not less than fifteen days after receipt (Conn. Gen. Stat. 47a-15). If the breach can be remedied by repair or payment of damages and the tenant adequately remedies it within the fifteen days, the rental agreement does not terminate.
What if the same violation happens again?
If substantially the same act or omission for which notice was given recurs within six months, the landlord may terminate the rental agreement through the notice to quit and summary process sections (47a-15).
Is there a faster route?
Yes, for nonpayment, for a serious nuisance and for a violation of subsection (h) of section 47a-11: the landlord can go straight to a notice to quit. A serious nuisance is inflicting or threatening bodily harm, substantial and willful destruction of part of the unit or premises, conduct that presents an immediate and serious danger to the safety of other tenants or the landlord, or using the premises for prostitution or the illegal sale of drugs (47a-15).
Which tenants have extra protection?
A tenant who lives in a building of five or more units and is 62 or older, or has a qualifying physical or mental disability (or lives with a close relative who is), can be evicted only for the reasons listed in section 47a-23c, such as nonpayment of rent, refusal to agree to a fair and equitable rent increase, material noncompliance that affects health and safety, and the landlord’s bona fide use of the unit as a residence (47a-23c).
Then what?
If the problem is not cured, the landlord serves a notice to quit with at least three full days (47a-23), and if the tenant stays, files a summary process action. See the Connecticut eviction timeline calculator and the eviction notice calculator.
What should a tenant do after receiving the notice?
Read it for the acts or omissions the landlord says are a breach and the date. If you can remedy it by repair or by paying for the damage, do so within the fifteen days and keep proof. If you think the notice is wrong, write to the landlord promptly and talk to a licensed Connecticut attorney or a legal aid office.
Notice periods at a glance
| Situation | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Material lease violation | Written notice, termination not less than 15 days after receipt | Tenant can remedy by repair or payment |
| Same violation within six months | Notice to quit, at least three days | Landlord may proceed |
| Serious nuisance | Notice to quit, at least three days | No 15-day cure notice |
| Tenant 62 or older, building of five or more units | Only the reasons listed in 47a-23c | Extra protection |
What to do after receiving a notice
Read the notice for the condition the landlord says you violated and the date. If you can remedy it, do so and keep proof, such as photographs or receipts. If you think the notice is wrong, write to the landlord promptly and talk to a licensed Connecticut attorney or legal aid. If a marshal serves a summons and complaint, see the Connecticut eviction court process.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a notice to cure in Connecticut?
The rental agreement ends not less than 15 days after the tenant receives the written notice.
Can I fix a lease violation and stay?
If it can be fixed by repair or payment of damages, and you do so within the 15 days, the agreement does not end.
What if the violation happens again?
If substantially the same act recurs within six months, the landlord may proceed with a notice to quit.
What is a serious nuisance?
Bodily harm or threats, willful destruction, immediate danger to others, or using the premises for prostitution or illegal drug sales.
Are older tenants protected?
In buildings of five or more units, tenants 62 or older can be evicted only for the reasons listed in section 47a-23c.
Official sources
- Conn. Gen. Stat. 47a-15: breach by tenant
- Conn. Gen. Stat. 47a-23c: eviction of certain tenants
- Conn. Gen. Stat. 47a-23: notice to quit possession
A local landlord-tenant attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Connecticut statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Connecticut attorney.