Connecticut law allows several types of deeds to transfer real property. One form, the quitclaim deed, transfers real property easily and quickly without providing any warranty on the property title.
In short, the property owner only transfers whatever interest they have in the property without making any promises that there are no claims or liens to the property.
To transfer real property in Connecticut without making any guarantees about the property’s title, use a valid Connecticut quitclaim deed form that meets state requirements.
Connecticut Quitclaim Deed Laws and Requirements
Under Connecticut law, a quitclaim deed must be in writing, contain a legal description of the property, meet specific signing and acknowledgment requirements, be witnessed by two people, and use the correct terminology.
The deed must be recorded with the Town Clerk along with payment of recording fees and transfer taxes, if applicable.
Laws
The laws governing the quitclaim deed process in Connecticut are in Chapters 821 and 821a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
All statutory requirements for valid quitclaim deeds, including a statutory form for quitclaim deeds, are in this chapter.
Legal Description
The legal description of the property includes not only the property’s mailing address, so use the property’s complete legal description. In Connecticut, the appropriate Town Clerk may provide legal descriptions or refer to previous deeds.
Signing
Connecticut General Statutes Section 47-5 requires the quitclaim deed to be signed by the grantor, the person transferring the property. Without the grantor’s signature, the deed is invalid.
Acknowledgments
Connecticut General Statutes Section 47-5 also requires that the grantor acknowledge a deed.
The grantor can make the acknowledgment in front of a notary public or certain other public officials under Connecticut General Statutes Section 47-5a.
Terminology
Connecticut General Statutes Section 47-36c provides language to use in a quitclaim deed.
This language is not mandatory, but using the statutory language will ensure that the quitclaim deed form is correct according to Connecticut law.
“…. of …. for consideration paid, grant to …. of …. with QUITCLAIM COVENANTS.”
The first two blanks should contain the grantor’s name and address, and the second two should have the grantee (person receiving the property)’s name and address.
Immediately following the term QUITCLAIM COVENANTS, include the property’s legal description, as well as any other provisions.
Transfer Tax
Connecticut requires that the seller of real property pay a real estate conveyance or transfer tax if the seller receives at least $2,000 for the property.
The transfer tax includes state and municipal components and ranges from 1% to 2.75% of the sales price. The state component amount depends on the property’s type and value, and the municipal component amount depends on where the property is located.
There are exemptions to the transfer tax, such as short sales or transfers between spouses. Usually, though, the seller must pay the transfer tax before a deed can be recorded.
For more information about the specific amounts of the transfer tax or help with a title search, visit the appropriate Town Clerk.
Additional Documents
No requirement for additional documents exists for a Connecticut quitclaim deed form.
Witnesses
Connecticut law requires that all deeds be signed by the grantor in the presence of two witnesses.
Recording
The best way to protect the transferee’s property rights is to record a quitclaim deed. Unless the deed is recorded, Connecticut law stipulates that the grantee only has rights to the property against any claims from the grantor.
Counties will not typically record deeds in Connecticut. Instead, deeds should be recorded in the appropriate Town Clerk’s office where the property is located which will have specific procedures for recording a deed, including fees.
How to Write & File a Quitclaim Deed in Connecticut
Follow the steps below to write and file a quitclaim deed in Connecticut.
Step 1 – Obtain Quitclaim Deed Form
Find the appropriate form for the Connecticut quitclaim deed and download it.
Step 2 – Write Preparer’s Details
Add information about the person who is preparing the form. This will include the individual’s mailing address and name.
Step 3 – Enter ‘Return To’ Information
Under the preparer’s information, put the name and address of the person who wants to receive the deed after it is properly filed. This is often the grantee.
Step 4 – Fill in Property’s County
Find the words “State of Connecticut, County.” In the blank, write the county where the property is located.
Step 5 – Note Consideration
Next, record the dollar amount paid for the property in words. After the dollar sign, write it in numbers.
Step 6 – Write Grantor’s Details
After “in hand paid to,” write the name of the grantor followed by “grantor.” Next, record the grantor’s address. This requires the county where the grantor lives.
Step 7 – Enter Grantee’s Information
Next record the grantee’s name, the word “grantee,” and the grantee’s address. Again, you will need to add the grantee’s county.
Step 8 – Fill in Property’s County
After the words, “situated in,” record the county where the property is located.
Step 9 – Note Legal Description
After the words, “Connecticut to-wit,” record the legal description of the property. This may require additional pages, which can be added as an attachment to the deed form. Be sure to include the address and plot number.
Step 10 – Get Quitclaim Deed Notarized
Arrange for two witnesses and a notary public present for the grantor to sign the document. Have the notary notarize the document and the witnesses sign and print their names.
Step 11 – File Your Connecticut Quitclaim Deed
Visit the city or town clerk in the city or the town where the property is located to file the Connecticut quitclaim deed.
Sample Connecticut Quitclaim Deed
Below is an example of what a Connecticut quitclaim deed looks like.