{"id":372108,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-leases-and-rental-agreements-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:50:56","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:50:56","slug":"connecticut-leases-and-rental-agreements-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-leases-and-rental-agreements-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Connecticut Leases and Rental Agreements Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Connecticut Leases and Rental Agreements Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n

Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Most people have had to enter into a lease or rental agreement<\/a> with a landlord at some point in their lives. Some of us have also been the landlord. Whether you\u2019re a landlord or a tenant it\u2019s important to know your legal rights and duties. When you sign a lease, you are agreeing to its terms, which can vary. If a term is prohibited by law (such as \u201ctenant agrees to have no Muslims enter the apartment\u201d), then it\u2019s unenforceable.<\/p>\n

For tenants, some of the biggest problems often involve getting repairs done and getting their security deposit back. For landlords<\/a>, receiving the rent on time and no major damages to the unit are important. Many states, including Connecticut put limits on the amount and return of the security deposit, as well as time limits on when repairs must be made. The most important things to remember as a tenant is to pay your rent on time<\/a>, even if repairs haven\u2019t been made, and make your repair requests in writing.<\/p>\n

The following table outlines some of the main lease and rental agreement laws in Connecticut.<\/p>\n\n
Code Sections<\/b><\/td>\nConnecticut General Statutes, Title 47: Landlord and Tenant<\/a> and
\nSection 46a-64c: Discriminatory Housing Practices Prohibited<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>
Terms of Leases<\/b><\/td>\nWhen a tenant overstays their lease, he or she is considered a \u201choldover tenant.\u201d This isn\u2019t evidence of a new lease, instead the rental converts to a month-to-month tenancy.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Security Deposits<\/b><\/td>\nSecurity deposits in Connecticut are usually limited to two months\u2019 rent. However, for tenants over 62, the limit is one month\u2019s rent<\/a>.
\n
\nConnecticut law requires interest is paid on security deposits<\/a>. For 2015, the interest rate is 0.08%<\/a>. Previously, the law required a higher interest rate of 5.25% for seniors and disabled persons, but that was changed in 2013.
\n
\nIn addition, the deposit must be refunded in full or with a list of itemized deductions taken from it and any remaining funds within 30 days. It\u2019s the tenant\u2019s responsibility to provide a forwarding address before they move out. If provided after the move out, the security deposit isn\u2019t due until within 15 days of receiving the tenant\u2019s new address.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Discrimination<\/b><\/td>\nFederal and state fair housing laws<\/a> prohibit discrimination on the basis of:
\n
Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act<\/b><\/td>\nConnecticut has adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act<\/a>.<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

If you\u2019re having problems with your landlord or you\u2019re interested in evicting your tenant, you should consult with an experienced Connecticut landlord\/tenant lawyer. If you\u2019re low-income and can\u2019t afford a lawyer, you can contact your local Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut<\/a> office.<\/p>\n

Note:<\/i><\/b> State laws are revised frequently, contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n

Research the Law<\/h2>\n