Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a § 47a-20a
Actions deemed not retaliatory.
Operative Text
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 47a-20, the landlord may maintain an action to recover possession of the dwelling unit if: (1) The tenant is using the dwelling unit for an illegal purpose or for a purpose which is in violation of the rental agreement or for nonpayment of rent; (2) the landlord seeks in good faith to recover possession of the dwelling unit for immediate use as his own abode; (3) the condition complained of was caused by the wilful actions of the tenant or another person in his household or a person on the premises with his consent; or (4) the landlord seeks to recover possession on the basis of a notice to terminate a periodic tenancy, which notice was given to the tenant before the tenant's complaint. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 47a-20, a landlord may increase the rent of a tenant if: (1) The condition complained of was caused by the lack of due care by the tenant or another person of his household or a person on the premises with his consent or (2) the landlord has become liable for a substantial increase in property taxes, or a substantial increase in other maintenance or operating costs not associated with his complying with the complaint, not less than four months before the demand for an increase in rent, and the increase in rent does not exceed the prorated portion of the net increase in taxes or costs. (c) Nothing in this section or section 47a-20 shall be construed to in any way limit the defense provided in section 47a-33.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-20a carves out specific situations where a landlord's action to reclaim a rental unit or raise rent is not considered retaliation, even if a tenant has recently made a complaint. These exceptions include cases where the tenant has used the unit illegally, failed to pay rent, caused the complained-of condition themselves, or where the landlord has a genuine personal need for the unit or faces documented cost increases. The provision also preserves tenants' separate defense rights under § 47a-33, ensuring that these exceptions do not eliminate other legal protections.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-20a, property owners and managers who pursue eviction or rent increases for legitimate, documented reasons—such as nonpayment of rent, tenant-caused damage, a bona fide need to occupy the unit personally, or verifiable increases in property taxes or operating costs—are generally not exposed to retaliation claims under § 47a-20. Compliant operators typically maintain clear records of the specific grounds for any action, including documentation of cost increases occurring at least four months before a rent demand, to demonstrate that their actions fall within the recognized exceptions. Operators should also be aware that § 47a-20a(c) preserves tenants' rights to raise the defense found in § 47a-33, which remains available regardless of these exceptions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-20a identifies circumstances under which a landlord's eviction action or rent increase is not automatically treated as retaliation, even if it follows a tenant complaint. Tenants should be aware that if a landlord claims one of these exceptions—such as alleging the tenant caused the problem or that a rent increase reflects a documented rise in taxes or costs—the burden of establishing that legitimate basis generally rests with the landlord. Importantly, § 47a-20a(c) makes clear that the defense available under § 47a-33 is not limited by this provision, so tenants facing eviction may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service to understand all available options.
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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