A Connecticut lease agreement creates a binding relationship between a landlord and their tenant(s). The property is rented to the tenant for a fee, who, in return, agrees to the terms and conditions included in the document. Such requirements include: the contact and identifying information of both parties, the specifics of the premises, rent, pet permission, and security deposit details, and health, safety, and other important occupational disclosures.
Rental Lease Laws Overview
- Rent Control: No.
- Limit on Late Fees: No.
- Late Fees in Rental Agreement: Yes.
- Grace Period: Yes.
- License Required for Landlord: No.
Landlords use rental applications to evaluate potential tenants prior to lease approval.
By Type (6)
Standard Lease Agreement
Allows a landlord to rent residential property to a tenant for a fixed period.
Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
Offers flexibility with its short-term leasing arrangement.
Commercial Lease Agreement
Designed for businesses seeking to lease commercial properties within the state.
Room Rental Agreement
Details the rights and duties for several tenants choosing to reside together in a single unit or property.
Sublease Agreement
Allows a tenant to rent out their space, maintaining responsibility to the original landlord.
Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Allows a portion of the monthly rent to contribute toward the property's future purchase.
Required Lease Disclosures
Connecticut imposes specific requirements for parties entering a lease agreement. For instance, landlords in the state must provide tenants with the following disclosures: [1]
- Disclosure of Lead-Based Hazards. All known lead paint hazards for buildings prior to 1978 must be disclosed to the tenant.
- Bed Bug Addendum. Landlords must inform the tenants of any bed bug infestations. [2]
- Condominium Interest Community Disclosure. Landlords must inform the tenants if the property is in a common interest community. [3]
- Landlord’s Identity. Landlords must provide their personal information and that of the parties involved in managing the rental unit. [4]
- Sprinkler Disclosure. The agreement needs to specify if a functional fire sprinkler system is installed and the date of its latest inspection. [5]
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount: For tenants age 62 and younger, landlords may request up to two months’ rent for a security deposit, while they may only request up to one month’s rent for tenants 62 or older. [6]
- Receipts: Landlords must provide a receipt with the necessary details for all cash payments.
- Interest Payments: Required – at an annual rate determined by the Banking Commissioner. [7] [8]
- Bank Account: Required – in a separate escrow account.
- Returning Requirements: Security deposits must be returned to tenants within 30 days of lease termination or 15 days of a tenant providing their forwarding address. [9]
- Withholding Rules: The landlord must give tenants a written statement detailing any deductions for damages. If the deposit is wrongfully withheld, the tenant can recover twice the amount, plus attorney fees.
Rent Payments
- Laws: Rent is due on the first business day of each month and is considered late after the ninth.
- Rent Control: Rent control is prohibited in Connecticut, allowing landlords to set any rent amount they deem appropriate and increase it without written notice. However, fair rent commissions are permitted under state laws.
- Late Fees and Grace Period: A landlord can charge a late fee only if it’s specified in the lease. The fee 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. [10] Tenants have a nine-day grace period to pay rent after its due date (or four days for week-to-week tenancies) before late fees or eviction proceedings with a 3-day notice can begin.
- Withholding Rent: Tenants may deduct rent to cover the cost of essential utilities if the landlord fails to provide them. [11] Rent can also be withheld if the unit is seriously damaged by fire or other casualty not caused by the tenant, affecting its livability, until the issue is resolved. [12]
Landlord Right of Entry
- Notice Requirements: Landlords must give tenants reasonable oral or written notice before entering the premises. Additionally, they are only allowed to enter at “reasonable times.” In the case of an emergency, landlords don’t need to give notice to tenants before entry. [13]
- Keys, Locks, and Security: There are no specific provisions regarding the changing of locks except for the prohibition against landlords using them for eviction.
Property Repairs
- Landlord Responsibilities: Landlords must ensure rental units meet local health and safety standards and complete major repairs within 15 days of a written request. If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs, tenants may partially withhold rent, deduct repair costs from rent, or seek a court order through the Housing Court.
- Tenant Repairs: Tenants must keep the rental unit in good condition at all times, perform routine maintenance, and provide minor plumbing and fixture repairs.
- Abandonment: If tenants leave the property with no intention of returning, landlords can issue a notice of abandonment, indicating that the property will be reclaimed and the lease terminated in ten days. [14]
Terminating a Lease
- Month-to-Month Tenancy: While there is no statutory mention, landlords should provide at least 30 days’ notice to end the monthly lease unless specified otherwise in the rental agreement.
- Unclaimed Property: Any unclaimed tenant property must be inventoried and stored for 30 days before the landlord can dispose of it. [15]
Sample
Below, you can download a free Connecticut lease agreement template in PDF or Word.
