What Is a Connecticut Lease Agreement?
A Connecticut lease agreement outlines the terms for a property rental. Under this contract, a landlord rents a living space to a tenant for a fee, who, in return, agrees to follow specific rules. Landlords must provide state-required disclosures and outline payment details for tenants. A written lease in Connecticut clarifies each party’s rights and duties to the other.
Overview of Connecticut Landlord-Tenant Laws
Landlords and tenants rely on Connecticut landlord-tenant laws to create legally sound leases. Explore some of the most relevant laws to write a valid and enforceable lease.
| Topic | Rule | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Security Deposit Maximum | 2 months' rent (for tenants younger than 62) 1 month's rent (for tenants 62 or older) | CT Gen Stat § 47a-21(b)(1), (2) |
| Interest on Security Deposits | Landlords are required to pay interest to the tenant | CT Gen Stat § 47a-21(4)(B)(i) |
| Return of Security Deposits | Within 21 days (or within 15 days if the tenant provides a forwarding address) | CT Gen Stat § 47a-21(d)(2) |
| Late Fees | The lesser of: - $5 per day (up to $50 per month) - 5% of the overdue rent - 5% of the tenant’s share (if rental assistance is involved) | CT Gen Stat § 47a-15a(b) |
| Grace Period | 9 days | CT Gen Stat § 47a-15a |
| Landlord Right of Entry | Must give reasonable notice | CT Gen Stat § 47a-16(c) |
Connecticut Lease Agreements – By Type
Depending on your situation, you may want to enter a certain type of lease. For more flexibility and less commitment, you may want a month-to-month arrangement. The property type (standard unit vs. room) or other factors can also influence the lease you sign. Explore Legal Templates’s different options so you can find the appropriate Connecticut lease agreement.
Connecticut Standard Lease Agreement
Allows a landlord to rent residential property to a tenant for a fixed period.
Connecticut Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
Offers flexibility with its short-term leasing arrangement.
Connecticut Commercial Lease Agreement
Designed for businesses seeking to lease commercial properties within the state.
Connecticut Room Rental Agreement
Details the rights and duties for several tenants choosing to reside together in a single unit or property.
Connecticut Sublease Agreement
Allows a tenant to rent out their space, maintaining responsibility to the original landlord.
Connecticut Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Allows a portion of the monthly rent to contribute toward the property's future purchase.
Connecticut Security Deposit Requirements
Connecticut landlords can collect security deposits from tenants and dictate their terms in the lease, but they must follow certain restrictions. Landlords cannot charge more than one month’s rent for tenants 62 or older. If the tenant is younger than 62, landlords can charge up to two months’ rent for the security deposit (CT Gen Stat § 47a-21(b)(1), (2)). Landlords must inform the tenant where they will hold the security deposit within 30 days of receiving it (CT Gen Stat § 47a-21(4)(A)).
State law doesn’t allow landlords to let security deposits sit dormant. They must make interest payments to the tenant at an annual rate determined by the Banking Commissioner (CT Gen Stat § 47a-21(4)(B)(i)). The funds must also be kept in a separate escrow account.
When the lease terminates, the landlord must return the security deposit within 21 days. If the tenant needs to provide their forwarding address, the landlord must send the deposit within 15 days of receiving the address in writing. If the landlord withholds any deductions for damages, they must give tenants a written statement with an explanation.
Rent Payment Regulations in Connecticut
Connecticut is one of the most lenient states in terms of rent payment regulations. Rent is typically due on the first day of each month, but tenants have a nine-day grace period. After the ninth day, rent is considered late, and then landlords can issue a 3-day eviction notice for non-payment of rent.
If late fees are recorded in the Connecticut residential lease agreement, the landlord can charge them. The late fees can be the lesser of $5 per day (up to $50 per month), 5% of the overdue rent, or 5% of the tenant’s share if rental assistance is involved (CT Gen Stat § 47a-15a(b)).
Landlord Right of Entry in Connecticut
Landlords must follow certain standards for entering tenants’ units to respect their privacy. They are required to give tenants reasonable oral or written notice before entering the premises. Additionally, they are only allowed to enter at “reasonable times.” In case of an emergency, landlords don’t need to give notice to tenants before entry (CT Gen Stat § 47a-16(c)).
Landlord & Tenant Property Maintenance in Connecticut
Landlords must ensure rental units meet local health and safety standards. They must also do everything possible to keep the premises fit and habitable (CT Gen Stat § 47a-7). Tenants must keep the rental unit in good condition and provide minor plumbing and fixture repairs (CT Gen Stat § 47a-11).
Required Lease Disclosures in Connecticut
Connecticut landlords must make the following disclosures in a lease:
- Disclosure of lead-based hazards: Landlords must disclose all known lead paint hazards for buildings constructed before 1978. This is a requirement under federal law (42 US Code 4852d).
- Bed bug addendum: Per CT Gen Stat § 47a-7a, landlords must inform tenants of bed bug infestations.
- Condominium interest community disclosure: Landlords must inform tenants if the property is in a common interest community (CT Gen Stat § 47a-3e).
- Landlord’s identity: Landlords must provide their personal information in the lease. If other parties manage the rental unit, landlords must also include their details (CT Gen Stat § 47a-6).
- Sprinkler disclosure: A lease should specify whether the property has a functional fire sprinkler system and list the date of its last inspection (CT Gen. Stat. § 47a-3f).
Terminating a Lease in Connecticut
Ending a month-to-month tenancy only requires the landlord to issue three days’ notice (CT Gen Stat § 47a-23) unless the Connecticut rental lease agreement states otherwise. Any unclaimed tenant property must be inventoried and stored for 30 days before the landlord can dispose of it (CT Gen Stat § 47a-11b(d)).
Sample Connecticut Lease Agreement
View our free Connecticut lease agreement to learn what terms you should include. Create your own using our guided form, then download your copy as a PDF or Word file.
