Renting a New Property in Connecticut: A Tenant's Guide

As a tenant in Connecticut, you have several important rights, including: the right to a habitable dwelling, protection against illegal discrimination, proper notice before landlord entry (usually 24 hours except in emergencies), security deposit protections (limited to two months' rent for tenants under 62, one month's rent for those over 62), and protection against retaliation. Connecticut law (Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-1 to 47a-74) provides strong tenant protections, and landlords must follow specific legal procedures for evictions.

In Connecticut, landlords can charge a maximum of two months' rent as a security deposit for tenants under 62 years of age. For tenants who are 62 or older, the maximum security deposit is limited to one month's rent. Landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out or within 15 days after receiving the tenant's forwarding address, whichever is later. The landlord must also pay interest on security deposits held for more than one year.

Connecticut law requires landlords to give reasonable notice before entering a rental unit, which is generally interpreted as at least 24 hours' notice. Landlords can only enter for legitimate reasons such as making repairs, showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers, or inspections. They may enter without notice only in genuine emergencies. If your landlord repeatedly enters without proper notice, this may constitute harassment, and you may have legal remedies available.

In Connecticut, landlords must follow a specific legal process for evictions. First, they must serve a proper notice (such as a Notice to Quit) with the specific reason for eviction. If you don't comply with the notice, the landlord must file a Summary Process (eviction) lawsuit and serve you with a summons and complaint. You have the right to file an answer and appear in court. Only a state marshal with a court order can physically remove you from the property. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Connecticut.

Connecticut law requires landlords to maintain rental properties in habitable condition. If essential services or systems (heat, electricity, plumbing, etc.) need repair, notify your landlord in writing and keep a copy. If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time, you may have several options: using the 'repair and deduct' remedy, contacting local housing code enforcement, or in extreme cases, breaking the lease under the legal concept of 'constructive eviction.' For serious health or safety issues, contact your local housing code enforcement office.

In most Connecticut municipalities, there are no rent control laws, so landlords can increase rent by any amount when a lease ends, provided they give proper notice (typically 30 days for month-to-month tenancies). However, rent increases cannot be discriminatory or retaliatory. For tenants with leases, rent cannot be increased during the lease term unless the lease specifically allows it. Some towns may have local ordinances providing additional protections, and certain subsidized housing programs have their own rules regarding rent increases.

Before signing a lease in Connecticut: 1) Read the entire lease carefully, 2) Inspect the property thoroughly and document any existing damage with photos, 3) Understand all terms including rent amount, due date, lease duration, and policies on pets, guests, and maintenance, 4) Verify who pays for utilities, 5) Check if renter's insurance is required, 6) Understand the security deposit amount and return conditions, 7) Know the renewal and termination procedures, and 8) Consider having a lawyer review the lease if it contains unusual provisions or if you're unsure about any terms.

In Connecticut, landlords are generally responsible for pest control, including bed bugs, unless the infestation is caused by the tenant's poor housekeeping. Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-7 requires landlords to maintain rental units in a habitable condition, which includes keeping the premises free from insect and rodent infestations. If you discover bed bugs or other pests, notify your landlord immediately in writing. If the landlord fails to address the issue within a reasonable time, you may contact local health authorities. Keep documentation of all communications and any expenses you incur related to the infestation.

In Connecticut, breaking a lease early typically means you're still responsible for rent until the lease ends or until the landlord re-rents the unit. However, there are legal exceptions: 1) Active military duty under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 2) Uninhabitable living conditions, 3) Landlord harassment or privacy violations, 4) Domestic violence situations (with proper documentation), or 5) If your lease has an early termination clause. Connecticut landlords have a duty to mitigate damages by making reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit. If you must break your lease, provide written notice and try to negotiate terms with your landlord.