Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a § 47a-11e

Termination of rental agreement by tenant who is a victim of family violence or sexual assault.

In Force
Verified 9/17/2026 · Next check 9/24/2026
effective 9/17/2026ConnecticutState Survivor Laws

Operative Text

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a § 47a-11e
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter and chapter 831, for rental agreements entered into or renewed on or after January 1, 2011, any tenant who (1) is a victim of family violence, as defined in section 46b-38a, and (2) reasonably believes it is necessary to vacate the dwelling unit due to fear of imminent harm to the tenant or a dependent of the tenant because of family violence, may terminate his or her rental agreement with the landlord for the dwelling unit that the tenant occupies without penalty or liability for the remaining term of the rental agreement by giving written notice to the landlord at least thirty days prior to the date the tenant intends to terminate the rental agreement. Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter and chapter 831, for rental agreements entered into or renewed on or after January 1, 2014, any tenant who (A) is a victim of sexual assault under any provision of section 53a-70b of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2019, or section 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b or 53a-73a, or is the parent or guardian with physical custody of a dependent who is the victim of sexual assault under section 53a-70c, and (B) reasonably believes it is necessary to vacate the dwelling unit due to fear of imminent harm to the tenant or a dependent of the tenant because of such sexual assault, may terminate his or her rental agreement with the landlord for the dwelling unit that the tenant occupies without penalty or liability for the remaining term of the rental agreement by giving written notice to the landlord at least thirty days prior to the date the tenant intends to terminate the rental agreement.

(b) Such notice shall include: (1) A statement made under oath or affirmation that (A) the tenant or a dependent of the tenant is a victim of family violence or sexual assault, as the case may be; (B) the tenant intends to terminate the rental agreement and the date of such intended termination; and (C) the tenant has vacated the premises and removed all of his or her possessions and personal effects or, prior to the date of such termination, will vacate the premises and remove all of his or her possessions and personal effects and, if such possessions and personal effects have not been removed by the date of such termination, has abandoned such possessions and personal effects; and (2) (A) a copy of a police or court record detailing an act of family violence or sexual assault against the tenant or the tenant's dependent that is dated not more than ninety days prior to the date of the tenant's notice, or (B) a signed written statement from an employee of the Office of Victim Services within the Judicial Department or the Office of Victim Advocate detailing an act of family violence or sexual assault against the tenant or the tenant's dependent that is dated not more than thirty days prior to the date of the tenant's notice.

(c) The tenant's termination of his or her rental agreement with the landlord pursuant to this section shall not relieve (1) the tenant from liability to the landlord for any rent arrearage incurred prior to such termination of the rental agreement or from liability to the landlord for property damage caused by the tenant, or (2) any other tenant from liability to the landlord under the rental agreement.

(d) If the tenant terminates his or her rental agreement with the landlord pursuant to this section, any occupant without the right or privilege to occupy such dwelling unit shall vacate the premises prior to the date of such termination.

(e) If such tenant or occupant fails to vacate the premises as of the date of such termination, the landlord may bring an action pursuant to chapter 832.

(f) The landlord may bring an action in the housing session of the Superior Court for injunctive relief to prevent the termination of the rental agreement if the requirements set forth in this section for such termination have not been satisfied.
Source: Legislative text reproduced verbatim
Plain English

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-11e, Connecticut law allows tenants who are victims of family violence or sexual assault—and who reasonably believe they must leave their home to avoid imminent harm—to end their rental agreement early without owing penalties or rent for the remaining lease term. To do so, the tenant must give the landlord at least thirty days' written notice that includes a sworn statement and supporting documentation, such as a police or court record or a statement from a qualifying victim-services official. The provision also clarifies that early termination does not erase any rent already owed before the termination date, and that other co-tenants on the lease remain bound by their own obligations.

Written by anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6 · Reviewed on September 17, 2026

Plain English — not legal advice.

For Property Managers

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-11e, landlords operating under rental agreements entered into or renewed on or after January 1, 2011 (for family violence) or January 1, 2014 (for sexual assault) should be prepared to receive and process early-termination notices from qualifying tenants. A compliant landlord reviews the written notice to confirm it includes a sworn statement and the required supporting documentation—either a police or court record dated within ninety days or a victim-services statement dated within thirty days—before acknowledging the termination. Landlords retain the right to pursue any pre-existing rent arrears or documented property damage, and may seek injunctive relief in the housing session of the Superior Court if the statutory requirements for termination have not been met.

General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.

For Tenants

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-11e gives tenants who are victims of family violence or sexual assault a legal pathway to exit a lease early without facing penalties or liability for the remaining term, provided they meet the notice and documentation requirements. Tenants generally submit written notice at least thirty days before the intended termination date, accompanied by a sworn statement and a qualifying document—such as a police report or a written statement from the Office of Victim Services or the Office of Victim Advocate. Tenants who believe this provision applies to their situation may find it helpful to contact a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand the full documentation process and any other rights available under 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.

Effective Timeline

Current
Sep 17, 2026
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Related Rules

§ 23
Definitions applicable to Secs. 23 to 29
§ 24
Termination of rental agreement or tenancy by victim of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or stalking
§ 29
Owner immunity from liability

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