If you have a roommate or a family member who is listed as a tenant on the lease, s/he will still be bound by the lease even if you are allowed to get out of it.¹ However, if s/he is not on the lease, s/he will have to leave the house/apartment when the rental agreement is terminated.²

¹ CT ST § 47a-11e(c)(2)
² CT ST § 47a-11e(d)

In order to terminate your rental agreement under this law, you have to give written notice to your landlord at least 30 days in advance. The notice needs to include:

1. a sworn statement or affirmation that states all of the following:
   • the tenant or his/her child is a victim of family violence or sexual assault;
   • the tenant wants to end the rental agreement and the date of termination; and
   • the tenant has left the unit and removed all of his/her belongings or s/he will do it before the termination date. Note: The law says that any possessions left behind will be considered abandoned; and
2. one of the following documents:
   • a copy of a police report or court record that shows that the tenant or his/her child was a victim of family violence or sexual assault. This document has to be dated no more than 90 days prior to the tenant’s notice terminating the lease; or
   • a signed written statement from an employee of the Office of Victim Services within the Judicial Department or the Office of the Victim Advocate, which states that the tenant or his/her child was a victim of family violence or sexual assault. This document has to be dated no more than 30 days prior to the date of the tenant’s notice terminating the lease.¹

¹ CT ST § 47a-11e(b)

If you have read through the information above and still have questions, you may want to talk to a lawyer - go to our CT Finding a Lawyer page for free and paid legal referrals. To connect with a domestic violence organization near you, see our CT Advocates and Shelters page.