Landlord tools · Connecticut

Connecticut residential lease agreement.

Everything a Connecticut lease must get right in 2026 — deposit limits, late fees, notice periods, and required disclosures — plus a free builder that applies each rule for you and outputs a signable PDF.

2 monthsSecurity deposit cap
30 daysDeposit return deadline
ReasonableEntry notice required
3 daysTo end month-to-month

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Security deposits in Connecticut

Connecticut caps security deposits at 2 months of rent. 2 months; 1 month if tenant is 62 or older; interest must be paid annually After the tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned within 30 days. Later of 30 days after move-out or 15 days after receiving forwarding address; double-damages penalty Returning one now? Use the free Connecticut deposit return letter generator — it computes the deadline and itemizes deductions for you.

Late fees and grace periods

Connecticut limits late fees: Lesser of $5/day up to $50, or 5% of overdue rent. Rent must be at least 9 day(s) late before a fee can be charged. 9-day grace (4 days week-to-week); one fee per late payment; must be in written lease.

Landlord entry and notices

Connecticut has no fixed entry-notice statute — reasonable notice is the standard, and the lease should spell it out. Reasonable notice required, reasonable times; no fixed hour minimum — 24h is customary. Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 3 days' written notice (3-day notice to quit for lapse of time, then summary process; practical timelines are longer). No statutory notice period; municipal fair rent commissions may review excessive increases. Planning an increase? The free Connecticut rent increase notice generator applies the notice period automatically.

Required disclosures in a Connecticut lease

Clauses you can’t put in a Connecticut lease

Utilities and pets

Utilities: Utility shutoff as self-help is illegal lockout; landlord liable for shared/unmetered utilities absent agreement. Pets: No separate pet-deposit statute; all deposits count toward the 2-month cap.

Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Connecticut?

Connecticut caps security deposits at 2 months of rent. 2 months; 1 month if tenant is 62 or older; interest must be paid annually

How long does a Connecticut landlord have to return the deposit?

30 days after the tenancy ends. Later of 30 days after move-out or 15 days after receiving forwarding address; double-damages penalty

Are late fees limited in Connecticut?

Yes — Lesser of $5/day up to $50, or 5% of overdue rent. 9-day grace (4 days week-to-week); one fee per late payment; must be in written lease A 9-day grace period is required before charging a fee.

How much notice before a landlord can enter the unit in Connecticut?

Connecticut has no fixed statutory period — reasonable notice applies. Reasonable notice required, reasonable times; no fixed hour minimum — 24h is customary

Does Connecticut have rent control?

No statewide rent control. No caps, but towns over 25,000 must have fair rent commissions reviewing harsh and unconscionable rents

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Key statutes: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21 · Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-15a · Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-16 · Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-23. Last reviewed 2026-07. This guide summarizes state law for convenience and is not legal advice; cities and counties may add their own rules.

Lease laws in other states