Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a § 47a-45a
Finding. Judgment. Costs. Title to land not affected.
Operative Text
(a) If it is found (1) that a forcible entry has been made into the land, tenement or dwelling unit, or (2) that the same are detained with force and strong hand, or (3) that damage has been caused to the premises or damage to or removal of or detention of the personal property of the possessor, or (4) that 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, as complained of, the judge shall render judgment that the complainant be restored to, and reseized of, the premises or that the personal property removed or detained be returned to the complainant, and shall award a writ of restitution accordingly. The complainant shall recover costs from the person complained of. Execution shall be granted against the person complained of. (b) If the person complained of is found not guilty, costs shall be taxed against the complainant and execution shall be granted against the complainant. (c) The judgment rendered in such proceeding shall not affect or be evidence of the title to such land, tenement or dwelling unit.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-45a, a judge hearing a forcible entry and detainer complaint may order that a person wrongfully removed from their home or land be restored to possession, and may direct that any removed or detained personal property be returned. The losing party in such a proceeding is responsible for paying the winner's costs, and execution may be issued to enforce that obligation. Importantly, the outcome of this proceeding does not determine or serve as evidence of who holds legal title to the property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-45a governs the judicial findings and remedies available in forcible entry and detainer proceedings, which can be initiated against a property owner or manager accused of unlawfully removing or excluding an occupant. A compliant operator generally avoids self-help measures—such as changing locks, removing belongings, or using force—because a court finding under this section can result in a restitution order and an award of costs against the operator. Operators typically rely on formal eviction procedures rather than any action that could be characterized as a forcible entry or detention under this statute.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-45a provides that a judge can order a complainant restored to possession of their home and can require the return of personal property that was removed or detained without lawful authority. Tenants who believe they have been unlawfully locked out, had their belongings removed, or have been otherwise forcibly displaced may have grounds to bring a complaint under this provision seeking restoration and cost recovery. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help individuals understand whether the circumstances of a displacement may qualify for relief under this section.
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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