Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a § 47a-26
(Formerly Sec. 52-534). Failure to appear. Judgment.
Operative Text
If the defendant does not appear within two days after the return day and a motion for judgment for failure to appear and an endorsed copy of the notice to quit is filed with the clerk, the court shall, not later than the first court day after the filing of such motion, enter judgment that the complainant recover possession or occupancy of the premises with the complainant's costs, and execution shall issue subject to the provisions of sections 47a-35 to 47a-41, inclusive.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-26, when a defendant in a summary process (eviction) case fails to appear within two days after the return date, the court is required to enter a default judgment in favor of the complainant—typically the landlord—awarding possession of the premises along with costs. The complainant must file a motion for judgment and an endorsed copy of the notice to quit with the court clerk to trigger this process. Once judgment is entered, execution (the legal mechanism to enforce removal) may issue, subject to the stay and appeal provisions found in sections 47a-35 through 47a-41.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-26 provides a procedural tool for property owners when a tenant named in a summary process action does not appear within two days of the return date. A compliant operator in this situation typically files a motion for judgment for failure to appear along with an endorsed copy of the notice to quit with the court clerk, prompting the court to enter judgment no later than the next court day. Landlords should be aware that even after judgment is entered, execution remains subject to the statutory stay and appeal provisions outlined in sections 47a-35 through 47a-41.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-26 establishes that a tenant who does not appear in court within two days of the return date in a summary process case risks a default judgment being entered against them, potentially resulting in loss of possession of the home. Tenants who receive a notice to quit or court summons generally have the option to appear and contest the action, and missing that window can significantly limit available options. Those facing eviction proceedings may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand the appeal and stay provisions under sections 47a-35 through 47a-41, which may still apply even after a default judgment under § 47a-26.
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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