Connecticut Security Deposit Laws
Connecticut landlords may charge up to two months’ rent as a security deposit.
Written by Caitlin McQuade
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Connecticut
landlords may charge tenants up to two months’ rent as a security deposit. After their lease is completed, the tenant receives the deposit back as long as they do not violate the terms of the lease.Security deposits are often required to secure a tenant’s new rental, but they can also be a huge headache. Security deposits are often significant amounts of money, and rules about them vary from state to state. As long as a tenant follows the terms of their lease and doesn’t create significant damage, they should receive their security deposit back.
You should always know the rules about security deposits in your state before putting one down. That’s why
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What is Connecticut law on security deposits?
A security deposit in Connecticut is a payment made by a tenant to a landlord that signifies intent to move in. This deposit holds the tenant’s place and acts as a level of financial security for the landlord in case the tenant breaks their agreement. Tenants can usually expect to receive the entire deposit back after completion of the lease unless they violate any lease terms.
Chapter 831
of the General Statutes of Connecticut details the proper procedures for security deposits in the state.What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Connecticut?
A landlord may charge no more than the equivalent of two months’ rent as a security deposit. If the tenant is 62 years of age or older, the landlord may not charge anything over the equivalent of one month’s rent.
Beyond this, landlords are required to pay tenants interest on any security deposit payments of at least the average commercial bank savings deposit rate. This rate is annually determined by the Banking Commissioner. This interest must be paid to the tenant annually or can be counted towards the next month’s rent. The interest rate for 2022 is 0.06%.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Connecticut?
A Connecticut landlord must return a security deposit either:
- Within 30 days of the tenant returning their keys and vacating the property
- Within 15 days of receiving the tenant’s forwarding address
Whichever of these comes later is the landlord’s final deadline to return the security deposit.
What can a landlord withhold a security deposit for in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, a landlord can withhold all or part of a security deposit to cover any of the following expenses:
- Unpaid rent
- Unpaid utility bills
- Property damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cost of damage caused by the tenant’s failure to comply with their obligations
While tenant obligations may be laid out and agreed to in an individual lease, page two of the
Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants in Connecticut
lays out general obligations of the tenant.You may be wondering what qualifies as “beyond normal” wear and tear. This is directly related to the tenant’s obligations, some of which cover rules about damages to the apartment. These obligations require tenants to repair any major damage they have done to the apartment. If they do not, they could be charged.
The tenant is also obligated to let the landlord know immediately if there are repairs needed that are not the tenant’s fault. If a tenant fails to let a landlord know about a leaking pipe, they could be charged for water damage later.
Key Takeaway A Connecticut landlord may charge up to two months’ rent as a security deposit. The tenant can expect to get the money back after their lease as long as they follow obligations.
How to get your security deposit back in Connecticut
A tenant must return their keys, vacate the property, and provide their landlord a forwarding address to receive their security deposit back. Tenants can expect to receive their deposit within 30 days of move out or 15 days after they provide the forwarding address—whichever comes later.
The landlord is also required to provide the tenant with an itemized list of any deductions taken out of the security deposit.
If the landlord has missed the deadline, a tenant should contact the landlord and ask for their security deposit back in writing.
If the landlord refuses to pay back the security deposit, a tenant may take them to
small claims court
.How to save money on car and renters insurance in Connecticut
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Can I use my security deposit as the last month’s rent in Connecticut?
No—the security deposit will be paid back after the lease is completed. Tenants should expect to pay their last month’s rent as usual. However, interest accrued from the security deposit may be applied to rent.
Can a landlord charge for carpet cleaning in Connecticut?
A Connecticut landlord may charge a cleaning fee, but only as much as is necessary to return the apartment to the state it was in before the tenant moved in.
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