Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a § 47a-18
Judicial relief if tenant refuses entry.
Operative Text
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.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-18, when a tenant refuses to allow a landlord lawful entry as required by §§ 47a-16 or 47a-16a, the landlord has the right to seek court intervention. A court may issue a declaratory judgment or injunctive relief to either compel the tenant to allow access or to terminate the rental agreement. In either outcome, the landlord may also recover actual damages and reasonable attorney's fees from the tenant.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-18 provides property owners and managers with a legal remedy when a tenant unlawfully refuses entry that is otherwise permitted under §§ 47a-16 or 47a-16a. Compliant operators typically document each refused-entry incident with dates, times, and the stated purpose of entry, as this record supports any subsequent court filing. When pursuing relief under § 47a-18, landlords generally seek either a court order compelling access or termination of the tenancy, and may also pursue recovery of actual damages and attorney's fees.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-18 establishes that a landlord may go to court if a tenant refuses entry that is lawfully authorized under §§ 47a-16 or 47a-16a, and a court could order the tenant to allow access, terminate the rental agreement, or award the landlord damages and attorney's fees. Tenants who believe a landlord's entry request did not comply with the notice or purpose requirements of §§ 47a-16 or 47a-16a may raise that non-compliance as a defense in any proceeding brought under § 47a-18. Tenants facing such a court action may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand what defenses 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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