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Can a Landlord Terminate a Month-to-Month Lease in CT?

Published in CT Lease Termination 3 mins read

Yes, a landlord can terminate a month-to-month lease in Connecticut, provided they give proper advance notice and do not act with retaliatory intent.

Month-to-month leases offer flexibility for both landlords and tenants, as they can be renewed automatically each month until one party decides to end the agreement. Understanding the specific requirements in Connecticut is crucial for a smooth termination process.

Notice Requirements for Termination

Connecticut law does not specifically outline the advance notice period required in its statutes for terminating a month-to-month lease. However, standard practice, rooted in common law, dictates a minimum of 30 days prior notice.

  • Common Law Standard: Landlords are generally expected to provide tenants with at least 30 days' written notice before the desired termination date. This notice period ensures tenants have sufficient time to find new housing and move out.
  • Clarity and Timing: The notice should be clear, unambiguous, and delivered in a way that provides proof of receipt. It's often advisable to align the termination with the end of a rental period (e.g., if rent is due on the 1st, notice given on May 15th would typically make the lease terminate by June 30th).

Permissible Reasons for Termination

In Connecticut, a landlord can terminate a month-to-month lease for nearly any reason, as long as it's not illegal or discriminatory. This broad discretion allows landlords to end the tenancy if:

  • They plan to sell the property.
  • They wish to move into the property themselves or have a family member do so.
  • They want to renovate the property.
  • They simply no longer wish to rent the property.
  • There are breaches of the lease agreement by the tenant (though this might follow different eviction procedures).

Prohibited Reasons for Termination (Retaliation)

While landlords have significant flexibility, there's a critical exception: a landlord cannot terminate a month-to-month lease for retaliatory reasons. Landlord retaliation is illegal and is designed to protect tenants who exercise their legal rights.

Examples of actions that could be considered retaliatory if immediately followed by a termination notice include:

  • A tenant complaining to a housing authority about unsafe living conditions or code violations.
  • A tenant requesting necessary repairs.
  • A tenant joining or forming a tenant's union.
  • A tenant lawfully withholding rent due to a landlord's failure to maintain the property after proper notice.

If a termination notice follows closely after a tenant's protected action, it may be presumed to be retaliatory, and the landlord would need to prove otherwise in court.

Key Takeaways for Landlords

  • Always provide written notice: This creates a clear record and avoids disputes.
  • Adhere to the 30-day minimum: Even though not codified, it's the widely accepted common law standard.
  • Understand anti-retaliation laws: Ensure your reasons for termination are legitimate and not in response to a tenant's protected activity.
  • Consult lease agreements: Review your specific lease agreement, as it might contain clauses regarding notice periods, although common law typically governs in the absence of specific statutory guidance.

For further reference on Connecticut month-to-month lease agreements, you can explore resources like the Connecticut Month-to-Month Lease Agreement Template.