Connecticut's two kinds of foreclosure processes are "foreclosure by sale" and "strict foreclosure." Both types must go through the court system and receive approval from a judge. If you have grounds to fight the foreclosure and you answer the lawsuit, you’ll get more time to stay in your home while the case winds its way through the court system.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the steps a lender must take before and after initiating foreclosure proceedings in Connecticut and the rights that might help you keep your home.
When Will a Foreclosure Start in Connecticut?
Under federal mortgage servicing laws that went into effect in 2014, the servicer normally must delay the start of the foreclosure process until the house payment is more than 120 days past due. (12 C.F.R. § 1024.41 (2025).) This requirement gives homeowners extra time to get caught up on payments or to work with the lender to avoid foreclosure.
If the homeowner hasn’t brought the loan current or worked out an alternative after 120 days, the bank can begin the foreclosure using a procedure allowed by Connecticut law.
How Connecticut Foreclosures Work
In Connecticut, the foreclosure will be judicial. It will be either a "decree of sale foreclosure" (or "foreclosure by sale"), which is basically a typical judicial foreclosure, or a "strict foreclosure," which is a slightly different process.
Foreclosure by Sale Process in Connecticut
A foreclosure by sale begins when the lender files a lawsuit (a “complaint”) in court. If the homeowner doesn’t respond, the bank usually automatically wins the case. If the owner fights the action, the case will move through the litigation process. If the lender prevails, the court will enter a judgment against the homeowner and set a sale date.
Strict Foreclosure Process in Connecticut
A strict foreclosure and foreclosure by sale follow the same process before the setting of the sale date, then the processes deviate slightly. In a strict foreclosure, instead of a sale date, the court sets a “law day.”
If the homeowner doesn’t redeem the home (discussed below) by the law day, the court will give the title (property ownership) to the foreclosing lender the day after the law day (assuming there are no other defendants with a subsequent law day).
How the Lender Chooses the Foreclosure Procedure in Connecticut
In many cases, the lender will file a motion asking for a strict foreclosure. If there is no equity (value) in the home, the court usually allows it.
A homeowner who believes the home has equity can ask the court to order a foreclosure sale instead. If the property sells for more than the amount that you owe (including other liens, plus fees and costs), you'll receive the excess amount.
Ultimately, the court will determine whether the foreclosure will occur by sale or strict foreclosure.
What Are My Rights in a Connecticut Foreclosure?
In Connecticut, homeowners have access to rights that can help them avoid foreclosure. You'll have the ability to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process called "mediation," at least for now.
Also, you can pay off the full amount of the loan and “redeem” your home. You might also get the right to reinstate the mortgage loan and stop the foreclosure. Or you might qualify for an alternative to foreclosure after applying for a loss mitigation option.
Foreclosure Mediation in Connecticut
Along with the notice of the foreclosure lawsuit, the owner will receive information about foreclosure mediation. Foreclosure mediation is a process wherein the lender, owner, and neutral third party (a mediator) meet to try to work out a way to avoid foreclosure. The court can’t enter a judgment of foreclosure until after the mediation takes place.
The law establishing Connecticut’s foreclosure mediation program is set to expire as of July 1, 2029. (The mediation program applies to foreclosure actions with a return date up to June 30, 2029.) (Conn Gen. Stat. § 49-31l (2025).)
Help for Homeowners From the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority
The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) helps Connecticut homeowners avoid foreclosure by providing financial counseling, mortgage assistance loans, and job training. To get more information about programs that the CHFA offers to homeowners trying to save their homes from foreclosure, get details about eligibility requirements, and find out how the programs might be able to help you, go to the CHFA website.
Does Connecticut Have a Redemption Period for Foreclosures?
"Redeeming" the property requires the homeowner to pay the full judgment amount, plus other charges such as interest, attorneys’ fees, and costs, in one lump-sum payment. Here are the redeeming rules under Connecticut law.
Foreclosure by sale redemption. In a foreclosure by sale, the homeowner can redeem at any time before the sale is final. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 49-25 (2025), Washington Trust Co. v. Smith, 241 Conn. 734, 742 (1997)).
Strict foreclosure redemption. The homeowner must redeem the house by the law day date set by the court. If you need more time than afforded by the law day deadline, you can request it by filing a motion with the court. Be aware that the court must conduct the motion hearing before law day. (Conn. Rules Superior Ct. Rule 23-17 (2025).)
Right to Reinstate the Loan: Check Your Contract
Connecticut law doesn’t allow a homeowner to stop the foreclosure by “reinstating” the loan (bringing the loan current by paying all missed payments, fees, and costs in one lump sum). But the mortgage contract might provide this right.
Does Connecticut Allow Deficiency Judgments Against Homeowners?
When a home sells at a foreclosure sale for less than what you owe, the difference is a “deficiency” balance. In Connecticut, the lender can request a deficiency judgment from the court as part of a foreclosure by sale or after a strict foreclosure.
Foreclosure by sale deficiency judgment. In a foreclosure by sale, the lender can ask the court for a deficiency judgment as part of the foreclosure suit. However, if the home sells for less than the appraised value, the lender must credit the homeowner with half of the difference between the sale price and the appraised amount. (Conn Gen. Stat. § 49-28 (2025).)
Strict foreclosure deficiency judgment. To get a deficiency judgment after a strict foreclosure, the lender must file a motion with the court within 30 days after law day. The deficiency amount will be the difference between the total outstanding debt and the home’s fair market value. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 49-14 (2025).)
The lender can pursue a deficiency judgment by using common collection techniques, such as garnishing your wages (taking money out of your paycheck) or levying on your bank account (withdrawing money from your account). You can wipe out (discharge) a deficiency judgment in bankruptcy. To find out about the options available to you, speak with a local attorney.
Talk to a Lawyer
You’ll find Connecticut’s foreclosure laws in the General Statutes of Connecticut, Title 49, sections 49-1 through 49-31v. Statutes change, so checking them is always a good idea.
How courts and agencies interpret and apply the law can also change. And some rules can even vary within a state. These are just some of the reasons to consider consulting an attorney if you’re facing a foreclosure.