Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a § 47a-46
(Formerly Sec. 52-465). When double damages allowable.
Operative Text
The party aggrieved may recover in a civil action double damages and his costs against the defendant, if it is found on the trial of a complaint brought under section 47a-43 that he entered into the land, tenement or dwelling unit by force or after entry held the same by force or otherwise injured the party aggrieved in the manner described in section 47a-43.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-46 (formerly § 52-465), a person who has been wrongfully displaced from land, a tenement, or a dwelling unit through force—or who has suffered related injuries as described in § 47a-43—may be entitled to recover twice the amount of their actual damages, plus court costs, through a civil action. This enhanced remedy applies when a court finds, after trial, that the defendant entered or held the property by force or otherwise caused the harm described in the underlying complaint. The provision is designed to deter forcible or unlawful entries by making the financial consequences of such conduct significantly greater than ordinary damages alone.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers should be aware that Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-46 creates a substantial financial risk for any party found to have entered or retained possession of a dwelling unit through force or in the manner described in § 47a-43. Compliant operators rely on lawful court processes—such as summary process eviction proceedings—rather than self-help measures to regain possession of a rental unit. A finding of forcible entry or detainer under this provision can result in a judgment for double damages and costs against the defendant, making adherence to proper legal procedures especially important.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-46 provides a meaningful remedy for tenants who have been forcibly removed from or kept out of their dwelling unit in violation of § 47a-43. If a court finds that a landlord or other party used force to enter or hold the property, or otherwise caused the injuries described in § 47a-43, the aggrieved tenant may be entitled to recover double their actual damages plus costs. Tenants who believe they have experienced a forcible entry or unlawful detainer may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand the complaint process available under this statute.
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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