This story is part of CT Mirror Explains, an ongoing effort to distill our wide-ranging reporting into a "what you need to know" format. To dive deeper on any element of this topic, use the links in the story.
Original reporting by Ginny Monk. Compiled by Gabby DeBenedictis.
Editor’s Note: This article is part of CT Mirror’s Spanish-language news coverage developed in partnership with Identidad Latina Multimedia.
Evictions can be filed for several reasons…
…including because your landlord says you didn’t pay your rent, your lease has expired, or you violated the rules at your apartment.
An eviction notice, or notice to quit, from your landlord is not the same as a court order to leave.
If your landlord files an eviction in court, you should get official paperwork delivered to your house. Only court marshals are authorized to physically evict tenants.
Attorneys advise that you contact legal aid if you’ve gotten a notice to quit.
You can also talk to your landlord to try to resolve the issue.
If your landlord files an official eviction case against you, you’ll get a summons to court.
This will give you a date to appear. More information on legal forms is available here.
On your court date:
The judge typically calls several cases at once. You and your landlord (or their attorney) will be called forward to alert the judge that you are there. Before your hearing with the judge, you will meet with a court-appointed housing mediator. Sometimes, you can make an agreement in mediation that is legally binding.
If you cannot come to an agreement:
You’ll have a hearing before the judge after mediation. If you win, you can stay in your apartment. If you lose, you’ll have to leave in as few as five days.
For more information:
CT Law Help has information online about appeals, the court process and what happens to your belongings if you’re evicted.