Success or failure with UniteCT payments or Small Claims Court ?

[CJ S.]

Over the last 9+ months, we have been trying to evict a non-paying tenant in a property in Meriden, CT. This wasn't due to any COVID-related circumstance. This was a lapse of time situation and a tenant who decided not to pay. Even told the judge it wasn't the fact that he couldn't afford it, he just didn't want to pat since we wouldn't renew his lease. 

We did not succeed with the eviction however, the tenant did move out on his own eventually. 

My question is has anyone had success with the UniteCT program or going to small claims (or regular court since this is in excess of $12,000) to try and recoup the nonpayment of rent if so I would love to chat further on how that process unfolded.