The Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 830 Section 47a-16, 16a, 18, and 18a allows a landlord the right to access a dwelling unit under the following conditions and provides penalties for noncompliance:
When landlord May Enter Rented Unit
(a) A tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed to repairs, alterations or improvements, supply necessary or agreed to services or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen or contractors.
Emergency
(b) A landlord may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency.
Reasonable Notice Required
(c) A landlord shall not abuse the right of entry or use such right of entry to harass the tenant. The landlord shall give the tenant reasonable written or oral notice of his intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times, except in case of emergency.
When Tenant Consent is Not Required
(d) A landlord may not enter the dwelling unit without the consent of the tenant except
- (1) in case of emergency,
- (2) as permitted by section 47a-16a,
- (3) pursuant to a court order, or
- (4) if the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.
Conn. Gen. Stat. Title 47a Ch 830 Sec 47a-16a
Tenant Extended Absence
Unless otherwise agreed, the tenant shall be required to notify the landlord of any anticipated extended absence from the premises and the landlord thereupon may enter the dwelling unit at reasonable times during such prolonged absence to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed to repairs, alterations or improvements, supply necessary or agreed to services or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen or contractors.
Conn. Gen. Stat. Title 47a Ch 830 Sec 47a-16a
Judicial Relief if Tenant Refuses Entry
If the tenant refuses to allow entry pursuant to section 47a-16 or section 47a-16a, the landlord may obtain a declaratory judgment or injunctive relief to compel access or terminate the rental agreement. In either case the landlord may recover actual damages and reasonable attorney’s fees.
Conn. Gen. Stat. Title 47a Ch 830 Sec 47a-18
Judicial Relief if Landlord Unlawfully Enters
If the landlord makes an entry prohibited by section 47a-16 or 47a-16a, or makes repeated demands for entry otherwise lawful but which have the effect of unreasonably harassing the tenant, the tenant may recover actual damages not less than an amount equal to one month’s rent and reasonable attorney’s fees. The tenant may also obtain injunctive relief to prevent the recurrence of the conduct or terminate the rental agreement.
Conn. Gen. Stat. Title 47a Ch 830 Sec 47a-18a
Return to Connecticut Landlord-Tenant Laws.