Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a § 47a-33a
Presentation of affirmative defenses.
Operative Text
In any action of summary process under this chapter, the tenant may present any affirmative legal, equitable or constitutional defense that the tenant may have.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-33a, when a landlord brings a summary process (eviction) action in Connecticut, the tenant is not limited to contesting the landlord's claims alone — the tenant may also raise any affirmative defense grounded in law, equity, or the constitution. This provision ensures that the eviction proceeding is a full hearing where the tenant's own legal rights and defenses can be considered. It reflects a broader principle that courts should weigh all relevant legal arguments before ordering a tenant to vacate.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-33a means that a summary process case is not simply a one-sided presentation of a landlord's grounds for eviction — tenants are entitled to raise affirmative defenses that could affect the outcome. Compliant operators generally ensure that their practices, notices, and lease terms are legally sound before filing, because procedural or substantive deficiencies may become the basis for a tenant's defense. Understanding that a tenant may assert legal, equitable, or constitutional arguments helps property managers approach eviction proceedings with thorough documentation and proper procedure.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-33a gives tenants in Connecticut eviction proceedings the explicit right to raise affirmative defenses — including legal, equitable, and constitutional ones — rather than being limited to simply responding to the landlord's claims. This can include defenses such as retaliation, discrimination, or a landlord's failure to maintain habitable conditions, depending on the facts. Tenants facing a summary process action may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand which defenses may be available to them under this provision.
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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