Endless eviction in Connecticut

[Christopher Fabiany T.]

Hi everyone, I bought a property with an inherited tenant. He had an oral month-to-month lease agreement with the old owner and I continued with that. From the beginning, I told him that I wanted to occupy the house, he asked for 3 months to move out and I agreed with that. Unfortunately, I did not make him sign any paper but I have a video when he asks for the 3 months and I agree. The two first months he said he was looking for a new apartment and was paying rent, the last month he said he can't find a new place and stopped paying rent. Right after that, I hired a lawyer to start the process of eviction. The notice to quit was given him the right to stay in the house until October 1st, he filed an appearance on November 15th (not sure why he had a month and a half to file an appearance, I think was my attorneys negligence, but he says that is the time it takes) I am still waiting for a mediation date, but it is already 4 months he is living there for free. What should I do, in terms of letters/files to make sure I can file a small court claim and have a better chance to recoup the non-paid rent? Any suggestion/recommendation or past experience will be really appreciated.

[Nathan Gesner]

Unfortunately, the wheels of justice turn slowly. You just have to wait it out and play the game, hoping you'll get reimbursed somewhere down the line.