A Connecticut rental application helps landlords vet prospective tenants before entering a lease agreement. The document uncovers relevant information and simplifies the applicant screening process.
Laws
- Application Fee – Non-refundable.
- Fee Limits – No limits (no statute).
- Security Deposit – Maximum amount equal to two months’ rent.
Application Fee
- Connecticut allows property owners to charge a fee for background checks and other application processing expenses.
- No state law limits how much you can charge for a fee, but the amount should approximate the background check cost.
Fair Housing Protections
- Landlords cannot deny sale or rental based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, or veteran status. [1]
- Discrimination based on criminal history or nationality is also prohibited. This applies regardless of whether a background check is conducted.
Security Deposit Limits
- A landlord cannot charge a security deposit of more than two months’ rent for a tenant under 62 years of age. [2]
- For renters aged 62 or older, a landlord can’t charge more than one month’s rent for the security deposit.
- State law also stipulates you must provide your tenant with a written receipt for the security deposit within 30 days.
- You must also hold a security deposit separate from other funds.
Pet Deposits
Landlords can charge pet deposits in a reasonable amount. Service animals are exempt, and disabled renters with such pets are not required to pay an additional deposit. However, if a service pet causes property damages, the tenant is liable for any costs incurred.
Sample
