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My tenant left the house without notice. What can I do?

My tenant left the house without notice. What can I do?

Full question:

My tenant has left the house without informing me. I guess he is not interested in coming back. What am I supposed to do in this situation? Can I rent the house to someone else or should I wait for my tenant?

Category: Landlord Tenant
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Connecticut

Answer:

If your tenant has left or abandoned the rental unit, then under § 47a-11a, you may be required to make reasonable efforts to mitigate the damages. Therefore, you may rent the rental unit to someone else.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-11a states:
“(a) If the tenant abandons the dwelling unit, the landlord shall make reasonable efforts to rent it at a fair rental in mitigation of damages.
(b) If the landlord fails to use reasonable efforts to rent the dwelling unit at a fair rental, the rental agreement is deemed to be terminated by the landlord as of the date the landlord has notice of the abandonment.”

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

How long can a tenant be gone to be considered abandonment?

In Connecticut, there is no specific time frame defined for when a tenant is considered to have abandoned a rental property. However, if a tenant has left without notice and has not paid rent for a period of time, it may indicate abandonment. Typically, if a tenant is gone for more than a few days without communication, landlords may start to consider the unit abandoned. It's essential to document any signs of abandonment and follow proper legal procedures before taking further action. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What happens if I don't tell my landlord I'm moving out?

If you do not inform your landlord that you are moving out, you may still be responsible for rent until the end of your lease or until the landlord can re-rent the unit. Failing to provide notice could also lead to loss of your security deposit, as many leases require a notice period. It is always best to communicate your plans to your landlord to avoid potential legal and financial consequences. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What to do when a tenant moves out without notice?

If a tenant moves out without notice, the landlord should first verify the abandonment by checking the property and looking for any signs of the tenant's intent to leave. Next, document the situation and attempt to contact the tenant. After confirming abandonment, the landlord can begin the process of re-renting the unit while making reasonable efforts to mitigate damages, as required by Connecticut law. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What happens if one tenant leaves?

If one tenant leaves a rental property, the remaining tenants are generally still responsible for the lease obligations unless the lease specifies otherwise. The landlord may need to assess whether the lease allows for the departure of one tenant without affecting the others. If the lease is joint, the remaining tenants may need to find a replacement or continue paying the full rent until the lease ends or is modified. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What if a tenant moves out without telling me?

If a tenant moves out without notifying you, it is important to check the property for signs of abandonment. You should document the situation and attempt to reach the tenant. If you determine that the tenant has abandoned the unit, you may proceed to re-rent it while making reasonable efforts to mitigate your losses. Remember to follow any legal requirements outlined in your lease and state law regarding abandonment. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*