Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a § 47a-43
(Formerly Sec. 52-462). Complaint and procedure: Forcible entry and detainer; entry and detainer.
Operative Text
(a) When any person (1) makes forcible entry into any land, tenement or dwelling unit and with a strong hand detains the same, or (2) having made a peaceable entry, without the consent of the actual possessor, holds and detains the same with force and strong hand, or (3) enters into any land, tenement or dwelling unit and causes damage to the premises or damage to or removal of or detention of the personal property of the possessor, or (4) when the party put out of possession would be required to cause damage to the premises or commit a breach of the peace in order to regain possession, the party thus ejected, held out of possession, or suffering damage may exhibit his complaint to any judge of the Superior Court. (b) Such judge shall forthwith issue a summons to the party complained of, directed to some proper officer, to notify him to appear at a specified time and place, within eight days from the exhibition of such complaint, in the superior court for the judicial district wherein the injury complained of was done, to answer to the matters contained in the complaint. (c) Such summons shall be served upon the party complained of six days inclusive before the day appointed for trial. (d) If, after service of such summons, the party complained of does not appear and defend, the judge shall proceed in the same manner as if he were present.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-43 establishes a legal process for resolving disputes involving forcible entry, unlawful detainer, or damage to property or personal belongings. Under this provision, a person who has been wrongfully removed from or kept out of a property, or whose belongings have been damaged or taken, may file a complaint with a Superior Court judge. Once filed, the court is required to issue a summons to the opposing party within eight days, with service required at least six days before the scheduled hearing. If the summoned party fails to appear, the court may proceed with the case in their absence.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Connecticut should be aware that Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-43 provides a formal judicial remedy for situations involving forcible entry or unlawful detainer. Compliant operators generally avoid self-help measures—such as physically removing a tenant or their belongings without a court order—because such actions can expose them to a complaint filed under this provision. When a landlord receives a summons issued under § 47a-43, responding promptly and appearing at the scheduled Superior Court hearing is the standard practice for operators seeking to defend their position.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-43 gives tenants and other possessors of property a direct path to Superior Court when they have been forcibly removed, locked out, or had their personal property damaged or taken without consent. A person in that situation may file a complaint with a Superior Court judge, who is then required to issue a summons to the other party and schedule a hearing within eight days. Tenants who believe this provision applies to their circumstances may wish to contact a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand the complaint process and available options under § 47a-43.
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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