Understanding Cure or Quit Notices for Connecticut Renters

If you’re renting in Connecticut and receive a “Cure or Quit” Notice, it’s important to understand what it is, why you received it, and what steps you need to take. This article explains how these notices work under Connecticut law, what your rights and obligations are, and where to find official help if you need it.

What Is a Cure or Quit Notice?

A Cure or Quit Notice is a formal notice from your landlord giving you a chance to fix (or “cure”) a lease violation or move out (“quit”) by a specific deadline. If you don’t take action, your landlord can start an eviction case in court.

Common Reasons for Cure or Quit Notices in Connecticut

• Not paying rent on time
• Violating another term of the lease, such as having unauthorized pets or subletting
• Creating a health or safety hazard

Connecticut law requires landlords to use these notices before beginning an eviction for most lease violations, except for cases involving serious nuisance or certain criminal activity.^[1]

How Does a Cure or Quit Notice Work?

Your landlord must serve you with a written notice, usually giving three (3) days to fix the issue or move out. The notice must:

• State what rule was broken (for example, unpaid rent or another violation)
• Explain how you can correct it (such as paying the overdue amount or stopping the violating behavior)
• Give a deadline (most commonly at least 3 days after receipt)
• State that failure to fix the problem or leave may result in eviction proceedings

Official Forms: Summary Process (Eviction) Notice

• Form Name: Notice to Quit (End) Possession
• Form Number: JD-HM-7
• When Used: Landlords use the JD-HM-7 form to formally notify tenants to cure a violation or vacate the rental unit before starting an eviction (“summary process”) case. For example, if you are late paying rent, this form may give you three days to pay or leave.
• View the official Notice to Quit (JD-HM-7)

More detailed information is available on the Connecticut Judicial Branch Landlord/Tenant FAQ.

What Should Tenants Do If They Receive a Cure or Quit Notice?

If you receive a Cure or Quit Notice, you have options. Responding quickly is crucial to protect your rights.

• Read the notice carefully to verify the reason and cure deadline.
• If possible, fix the problem before the deadline (such as paying late rent or addressing the violation).
• Communicate in writing with your landlord to confirm any resolution.
• If you disagree with the notice, gather evidence and be ready to present your side if the matter goes to court.

If you do not cure the violation or leave by the deadline, your landlord can file for eviction with the court. The eviction process is formally called “summary process” in Connecticut, and hearings take place through the Connecticut Judicial Branch Housing Session.

If you resolve the lease violation on time, the eviction process may stop. But if the deadline passes, be prepared for court and seek legal help if needed.

Connecticut’s Laws on Eviction and Notice Requirements

Cure or Quit Notices must follow Connecticut’s landlord-tenant laws. These laws set minimum time frames for notices and require landlords to manage the process fairly. Connecticut’s residential rental laws are found in the Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 832 – Landlord and Tenant.^[2]

Eviction rules and the summary process are managed by the Connecticut Judicial Branch: Housing Session, which handles all residential landlord-tenant disputes in the state.

What Happens Next?

If you don’t fix the issue or move out by the date in the notice, your landlord can file for eviction. You have the right to appear in court and present your side.

More information, including fact sheets for tenants, is available on the Connecticut Department of Housing site.

FAQ: Connecticut Cure or Quit Notices

1. How much time does a tenant have to fix a problem after receiving a Cure or Quit Notice in Connecticut?
   The notice usually gives at least 3 days to resolve the issue, but check your specific notice for the exact deadline.
2. What happens if I fix the violation on time?
   If you "cure" the problem before the deadline, your landlord cannot proceed to file for an eviction on that basis.
3. Do I have to move out if I get a Cure or Quit Notice?
   No, you only have to move out if you don’t fix the violation by the deadline stated in the notice.
4. What if I think the notice is a mistake?
   Gather any evidence you have, communicate with your landlord in writing, and be prepared to explain your side if the landlord files for eviction.
5. Where can I get help understanding my rights?
   You can contact the Connecticut Judicial Branch Housing Session, Legal Services, or the Connecticut Department of Housing for assistance.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

• A Cure or Quit Notice gives you time to fix a lease problem or move out before eviction can proceed.
• Read the notice and act quickly to cure the violation or contact your landlord if there’s a disagreement.
• If a court case starts, tenants have the right to appear and defend themselves—help is available if you need it.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Judicial Branch: Housing Session (handles tenant-landlord cases, court forms, and guidance)
• Connecticut Department of Housing (official state resources and programs)
• Connecticut Legal Services: Tenant Help (free or low-cost legal assistance)
• For general landlord-tenant forms (including Notice to Quit), visit the Connecticut Judicial Branch Civil Forms page

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1. See C.G.S. § 47a-23 – Summary Process for Recovery of Possession
2. Read Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832 – Landlord and Tenant Law

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