Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a § 19a-362
(Formerly Sec. 19-371). No recovery of rent during unlawful occupation. Exception.
Operative Text
(a) If any building constructed as, or altered into, a tenement house is occupied in whole or in part for human habitation in violation of the provisions of the state building code, effective at the time of such construction or alteration, during such unlawful occupation no rent shall be recoverable by the owner or lessee of such premises for such period and no action or special proceedings shall be maintained therefor. (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to buildings owned by a housing authority organized under the provisions of chapter 128, which have been constructed or altered pursuant to contracts with the federal government or the state providing for annual contributions or other financial assistance.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-362, when a tenement building is occupied for human habitation in violation of the state building code standards that were in effect at the time of its construction or alteration, the owner or lessee loses the legal right to collect or recover rent for the duration of that unlawful occupation. No court action or special proceeding to collect such rent may be maintained during that period. A narrow exception exists for buildings owned by housing authorities that were constructed or altered under contracts with the federal or state government providing annual contributions or other financial assistance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-362 means that property owners and lessees of tenement buildings must ensure their properties comply with the applicable state building code before and during any period of human habitation. Compliant operators generally obtain required permits, complete inspections, and resolve any code violations before renting units, because rent collected during a period of unlawful occupation cannot be legally recovered. The exception for federally or state-assisted housing authority buildings is narrow and does not extend to privately owned rental properties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-362 provides that if a tenement building is occupied in violation of the state building code, the owner or lessee has no legal right to recover rent for that period of unlawful occupation. Tenants who believe their building may have been occupied in violation of applicable building code requirements at the time of construction or alteration may find this provision relevant as a potential defense in rent-collection proceedings. Tenant-rights organizations and local legal aid offices can help individuals understand whether this provision applies to their circumstances and what general enforcement paths, such as raising the issue in court, may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 17, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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