A Connecticut standard residential lease agreement outlines the terms and conditions for renting a residential property in the state, serving as a written record of the rental arrangement.
Certain laws and regulations govern residential leases, specifying the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants involved in the leasing of a house, apartment, condominium, or any other dwelling unit. A standard agreement details the rental terms, including lease duration, payment details, additional costs, property use terms, lease violations, and eviction procedures.
Lease Length Considerations
- The maximum length is one year. However, leases can be longer if the term is fixed or agreed upon beforehand by both the tenant and the landlord.
- Leases exceeding one year must be in writing, executed, attested, acknowledged, and recorded in the same manner as a deed of land. This is to make them effectual against persons other than the lessor and lessee and their respective heirs, successors, administrators, and executors. [1]
- Leases can automatically renew. Fixed-term leases are expected to end on the specified date without any required notice, but most leases can be renewed if the tenant decides to stay on the rental property.
- If a rental agreement does not settle a definite term, the tenancy defaults to a month-to-month arrangement. However, if the tenant pays weekly rent, then the tenancy defaults to a week-to-week arrangement. [2]
Required Disclosures
- Sprinkler disclosure.
- Disclosure of lead-based hazards.
- Bed bug addendum.
- Condominium interest community disclosure.
- Landlord’s personal information.
For more details on the necessary disclosures and state laws, visit our Connecticut lease agreement page.
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount ($): Two months’ rent. For tenants aged 62 and older, this limit is reduced to one month’s rent. [3]
- Returning to Tenant: Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, 15 days after receiving a forwarding address.
Rent Payment
- Grace Period: There is a nine-day grace period for rent payments. For tenants renting on a week-to-week basis, there is a four-day grace period. [4]
- Maximum Late Fee: Up to $5 per day or 5% of the late payment.
- NSF Fee: The maximum fee for a bounced check is $20. [5]
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – General Statutes of Connecticut Chapter 830.
- Handbook – Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants in Connecticut.
