Connecticut Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Connecticut is one of the few states that requires landlords to pay interest on security deposits every year, at a rate set by the Banking Commissioner (C.G.S. § 47a-21). Deposits are capped at two months’ rent — one month for tenants 62 or older — and must be returned within 21 days.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Connecticut?
A Connecticut landlord has 21 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit plus accrued interest, or 10 days after receiving the tenant’s forwarding address if that is later.
| Maximum Deposit | Two months’ rent; one month for tenants 62 or older |
| Return Deadline | 21 days (or 10 days after a forwarding address) |
| Interest Required | Yes, annually at the Banking Commissioner’s rate |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | C.G.S. § 47a-21 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Connecticut?
Connecticut has no statewide rent cap, but towns of 25,000 or more must have fair rent commissions that can review and limit excessive increases.
| Grace Period | 9 days before a late fee can be charged |
| Late Fee Limit | Lesser of $5 per day (max $50) or 5% of the delinquent rent |
| Rent Control Status | Fair rent commissions review increases (C.G.S. § 7-148b) |
| Statute Reference | C.G.S. § 47a-15a |
How to Evict a Tenant in Connecticut
A Connecticut eviction for nonpayment starts with a notice to quit of at least 3 days, which can only be served after the 9-day grace period has passed.
| Non-Payment Notice | 3 days’ notice to quit, after the 9-day grace period |
| Lease Violation Notice | 15 days to cure |
| Illegal Activity | 3 days, no right to cure |
| Statute Reference | C.G.S. §§ 47a-15, 47a-23 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Connecticut?
Not without reason. Connecticut requires reasonable notice and entry at reasonable times, except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | Reasonable notice |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, agreed services, show to buyers, tenants or contractors |
| Statute Reference | C.G.S. § 47a-16 |
What Must a Connecticut Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Name and address of the person authorized to manage the property and receive notices (C.G.S. § 47a-6)
- Deposit escrow account details and annual interest
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Connecticut?
Connecticut landlords must keep the unit fit and habitable, and a tenant can ask housing court to appoint a receiver who collects rent to pay for repairs.
What Connecticut landlords must maintain
- • Comply with building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety
- • Keep supplied electrical, plumbing, heating and appliances in good working order
- • Supply running water, reasonable hot water and heat
What a Connecticut tenant can do
- • Pay rent into court and seek a receiver for repairs
- • Procure essential services and deduct the reasonable cost
- • Terminate the lease for a material noncompliance
| Repair & Deduct | Essential services only (C.G.S. § 47a-13) |
| Statute Reference | C.G.S. §§ 47a-7, 47a-13, 47a-14h |