Federal law requires all states include specific requirements and basics in all rental and lease agreements. Such requirements include:
- The contact and identifying information of both landlord and tenant,
- A legal description and other identifying information about the premises,
- Pet allowances and prohibitions,
- Health, safety, and other important occupational disclosures,
- Security deposit details, such as the amount and the time for returning it,
- Rent details, including when and how rent should be paid.
In addition, your lease agreement will need to follow the specific requirements in Connecticut.
1. Connecticut Residential Lease Agreement Sample
The sample Connecticut lease agreement below describes a contract between “Landlord” Kevin Lee and “Tenant” Olivia Graham. She agrees to rent a duplex in Columbia for $1,000 per month for a fixed term beginning on June 01, 2017 and ending on August 09, 2017. The tenant agrees to pay for all utilities and services for the Premises. This is a good example of what provisions a simple lease agreement might contain, and how one should look in its final form.
2. Connecticut Landlord and Tenant Laws
Connecticut imposes specific and distinct requirements for landlords and tenants when executing a lease agreement. For example, Connecticut statute provides for the following:
Security Deposit
- For tenants age sixty-two and younger, landlords may request up to two (2) month’s rent for a security deposit, while they may only request up to one (1) month’s rent for tenants sixty-two (62) or older. (§§ 47a-21(b)(1) and (2))
- Connecticut landlords are required to keep tenant security deposits in a separate bank account. (§§ 47a-21(h))
- Security deposits must be returned to tenants within thirty (30) days of lease termination, or within fifteen (15) days of a tenant providing their forwarding address. (§§ 47a-21(d)(2))
Landlord Right of Entry
- Landlords are required to give tenants reasonable oral or written notice before entering the premises. Additionally, they are only allowed to enter at “reasonable times.” (§§ 47a-16(c))
- In the case of an emergency, landlords don’t need to give notice to tenants before entry. (§§ 47a-16(a))
Additionally, Connecticut law requires:
Utilities
- If a landlord fails to supply a tenant and the premises with essential services and utilities, a tenant may terminate the lease and sue the landlord for up to two (2) months’ rent, or double damages. (§§ 47a-13)