Groton, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 9 art. II (2026) § 9-41
Defense against retaliatory evictions (Groton Art. II: Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
In any action for summary process, it shall be an affirmative defense that the plaintiff brought such action against the tenant solely because a complaint was filed with the commission or because the tenant or complainant has taken any other action with reference to a matter covered by this article.
Under Groton, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 9 art. II § 9-41, a landlord's eviction action can be defeated if the tenant can show that the eviction was brought solely in retaliation for the tenant filing a complaint with the commission or taking other protected action related to matters covered by the article. This rule creates an affirmative defense — meaning the tenant raises it during the eviction proceeding itself — rather than a separate lawsuit. The provision is designed to protect tenants from being removed from their homes as punishment for exercising their legal rights under the article.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 9-41, property owners and managers who pursue a summary process (eviction) action must be prepared to demonstrate that the action is grounded in legitimate, non-retaliatory reasons. Compliant operators document lease violations, nonpayment of rent, or other lawful grounds for eviction independently of any complaint activity by the tenant. Maintaining clear, contemporaneous records of the basis for any eviction action is a standard practice that helps distinguish a lawful proceeding from one that could be characterized as retaliatory under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 9-41 gives tenants a recognized affirmative defense in eviction court if they believe the eviction was filed solely because they complained to the commission or took other protected action under the article. This defense is raised within the summary process proceeding itself, meaning a tenant can assert it as part of their response to the eviction action. Tenants who believe this provision applies to their situation may benefit from contacting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand how affirmative defenses are presented in Connecticut housing court.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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