Connecticut is by far a tenant-friendly state. It can take many, many months to evict a deficient tenant and the laws generally do not favor the landlord. However, there is always a silver lining and Connecticut can bring in substantially higher rents and the overall vacancy rate has been dropping since 2009.
At a Glance:
Late Fees: In Connecticut, a late fee may not be imposed until the rent is not received before the end of at least ten days (weekly renters have five days.) of its due date.
Security Deposit: The security deposit including any prepaid rents may be no more than an amount parallel to two months’ rent unless you are over the age of 62, where only an amount equivalent to one month is permitted.
Returned Payment Fee Limit: There is no statute regarding the limitation of the amount a landlord may charge a tenant for a payment returned by a bank.
Notice to Enter: Except in the case of an emergency, a landlord may enter the rental unit with an advanced written or verbal notification.
Late Fee/Returned Check Fee:
Late Fee Limit: Even though there are no limits placed on what a landlord may charge a tenant for being late with the rent, the landlord must wait until ten days have passed from the due date before charging one and in the case of a weekly renter, the waiting period is five days. WARNING: It is not permitted for a landlord to provide an incentive to the tenant to pay before the ten days either.
Returned Check Fee Information: When a tenant produces a payment that is returned, a landlord may charge a fee on top of the rent owed. There are no limits stated in the law regarding the amount.
Security Deposits:
Limit: Connecticut is pretty tough on security deposit regulations. No matter what you call it, anything that is collected as a deposit or prepaid rent is legally considered a security deposit. The landlord may not collect any more than two months total. If the rental is for anyone 62 years or older, the landlord may not collect more than one month total. Landlords are required to pay
interest on security deposits. However, a tenant forfeits their right to interest if they pay their rent late unless a late charge is agreed upon in the
lease agreement. The interest rates are set annually by the Banking Commissioner.
Return: The landlord has either 30 days or 15 days, depending on whether the tenant provided a forwarding address. If a tenant provided a forwarding address, the landlord has
15 days to return the entire security deposit including interest unless there are damages. If there are damages, the landlord must furnish an itemized statement to the tenant describing the damages and including the charges for each line item. If there is no forwarding address provided, then the landlord will have 30 days and will send it to the last known address on record.
TIP: There are no stated laws restricting the collection of non-refundable fees at lease signing. Be careful however, and when in doubt, get legal advice.
Right of Entry:
The state of Connecticut has precise landlord entry rules. According to Chapter 830, Sec 47a – 16, a
tenant may not withhold consent for the landlord to enter the rental unit if there is a good reason for repairs, inspections, to show to prospective buyers, tenants, contractors, or mortgagees. It goes on to say that if there is an emergency, a landlord may have access without notice or consent as is the same when there is a court order or if the tenant abandons or surrenders possession. Furthermore, a landlord never should abuse the right to enter. It could be construed as harassment and there are hefty fines for this.
Eviction:
Before filing in court to evict a tenant for any reason, notice must be provided. Changing locks, removing a tenant’s stuff from the apartment or shutting off utilities is not allowed. Nor is harassing the tenant with nasty calls, emails or texts. Tactics such as these will surely backfire and at the least slow down the progress of an
eviction. The Connecticut government has an excellent publication:
A Landlord’s Guide to Eviction which provides easy to understand and useful guidelines for eviction.
Questions? Ask an Attorney!
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Have rented apartment for 11 years property was a year ago now I am moving new owner says there is no interest on security deposit what can I do about this should be11 years of interest on 1700 security deposit
Hi Laurie, as we’re not a law firm, we can’t give legal advice, but you may want to start with a friendly verbal reminder to your landlord about the interest law, followed by a written letter if they don’t pay the appropriate interest. You can always discuss with an attorney, but heads up the attorney may charge more than the interest you’re trying to collect. If it’s worth it to you, there’s always small claims court, where it’s common for people to represent themselves.
Not legal advice, just a few thoughts!
I was asked by my landlord to leave the house I’m renting because we were late with the rent. We paid him and he agreed to let us stay . I had called the health department t due to some violations now he’s retaliating against me by telling me to move by tomorrow. Can you help with what my rights are ? How much time doI have to move ?
We just evicted our tenant 2 week early of his lease agreement. He was behind several months rent. Upon inspection of our residence and property several items we left behind. Are we required the store any of these items. Several attempts have been made to contact the tenant which were met with negative results.
I have lived in a condo 6 years my landlord wants to retain money from my deposit for a broken plastic light cover. And a hole in a door stemming from the door stop hitting it. We have never asked for anything in 6 years isn’t this normal wear and tear?
Do I have to pay for damages my city fire department cause, especially when there was no need for the damages.( They broke the door and there was clearly a wide open window in front of the house where they broke the door).
You can try taking them to court over it, but I doubt you’ll come out ahead, after all the court expenses. Sorry that that happened John!
I entered a 6 mo lease and have stayed month to month for now10mo rent paid on time every time. Model tenant no problems. Just got a text that said she is raising rent 400 and two weeks to sign a new lease or get out!!!!on both me and year holding lessee on other side. It hasn’t even been a year and we now have only two weeks to sign a new lease or vacate?! And the rent raise is crazy we pay 2k already …. Repair’s needed and can’t get them done and she is in touch but doesn’t maintain the place unless profuse complaints. Any suggestions?
I’m being evicted for non payment of rent. I had some mental health issues & am behind on rent. Is it possible if I paid everything I owe to my landlord, a judge would allow us to stay even if the landlord says no? Or at least give us some time so we’re not on the streets.
In most cases catching up your rent will stop an eviction. Your landlord may still opt not to renew your lease agreement when it comes up for renewal, but that’s a different issue.
My son was in an off-campus apartment in Connecticut (private residence) with several other students. The landlord required six months rent up front and only allowed payment through a portal. I had a late fee deducted from my security deposit when the lease ended. Are they allowed to charge a late fee when they illegally asked for six months (vs the law of two months) up front? Btw, we were never paid interest on the additional rent (security deposit) nor did we ever receive a receipt that the money was being held in escrow.
These are points worth raising with the landlord Phil!