Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a § 47a-1
Definitions.
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, sections 47a-21, 47a-23 to 47a-23c, inclusive, 47a-26a to 47a-26g, inclusive, 47a-35 to 47a-35b, inclusive, 47a-41a, 47a-43 and 47a-46: (1) “Action” includes recoupment, counterclaim, set-off, cause of action and any other proceeding in which rights are determined, including an action for possession. (2) “Building and housing codes” include any law, ordinance or governmental regulation concerning fitness for habitation or the construction, maintenance, operation, occupancy, use or appearance of any premises or dwelling unit. (3) “Dwelling unit” means any house or building, or portion thereof, which is occupied, is designed to be occupied, or is rented, leased or hired out to be occupied, as a home or residence of one or more persons. (4) “Landlord” means the owner, lessor or sublessor of the dwelling unit, the building of which it is a part or the premises. (5) “Owner” means one or more persons, jointly or severally, in whom is vested (A) all or part of the legal title to property, or (B) all or part of the beneficial ownership and a right to present use and enjoyment of the premises and includes a mortgagee in possession. (6) “Person” means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, the state or any political subdivision thereof, or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, two or more persons having a joint or common interest, and any other legal or commercial entity. (7) “Premises” means a dwelling unit and the structure of which it is a part and facilities and appurtenances therein and grounds, areas and facilities held out for the use of tenants generally or whose use is promised to the tenant. (8) “Rent” means all periodic payments to be made to the landlord under the rental agreement. (9) “Rental agreement” means all agreements, written or oral, and valid rules and regulations adopted under section 47a-9 or subsection (d) of section 21-70 embodying the terms and conditions concerning the use and occupancy of a dwelling unit or premises. (10) “Roomer” means a person occupying a dwelling unit, which unit does not include a refrigerator, stove, kitchen sink, toilet and shower or bathtub and one or more of these facilities are used in common by other occupants in the structure. (11) “Single-family residence” means a structure maintained and used as a single dwelling unit. Notwithstanding that a dwelling unit shares one or more walls with another dwelling unit or has a common parking facility, it is a single-family residence if it has direct access to a street or thoroughfare and does not share heating facilities, hot water equipment or any other essential facility or service with any other dwelling unit. (12) “Tenant” means the lessee, sublessee or person entitled under a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit or premises to the exclusion of others or as is otherwise defined by law. (13) “Tenement house” means any house or building, or portion thereof, which is rented, leased or hired out to be occupied, or is arranged or designed to be occupied, or is occupied, as the home or residence of three or more families, living independently of each other, and doing their cooking upon the premises, and having a common right in the halls, stairways or yards.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-1 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout Connecticut's residential landlord-tenant statutes. It defines key terms such as "dwelling unit," "landlord," "tenant," "rent," "rental agreement," and "premises," ensuring that these words carry consistent, specific meanings whenever they appear in the broader chapter. The definitions also clarify who qualifies as an "owner" or "roomer" and what distinguishes a single-family residence from a tenement house. Understanding these definitions is essential for interpreting any right or obligation created elsewhere in the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Connecticut should familiarize themselves with the definitions set out in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-1, because those definitions govern how terms like "landlord," "premises," and "rental agreement" are interpreted across the entire residential landlord-tenant chapter. For example, the broad definition of "rental agreement" encompasses both written and oral agreements, meaning obligations can arise even without a signed lease. Compliant operators generally ensure that their practices align with these statutory meanings rather than relying solely on how terms are used in everyday speech or in their own lease documents.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-1 defines the terms that shape tenants' rights and protections throughout Connecticut's landlord-tenant law, including what counts as a "dwelling unit," who qualifies as a "tenant," and what falls within the scope of a "rental agreement." Because these definitions apply broadly—covering oral agreements as well as written leases—tenants may have statutory protections even in informal housing arrangements. Tenants who believe their rights under the chapter have been violated can explore options such as raising a statutory violation as a defense in a court proceeding, filing a complaint with a local housing authority, or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Connecticut law.
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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