1. 1. Common Interest Community (PDF) – The tenant must be notified in writing if a dwelling is in a common interest community.^[1]
   2. Fire Sprinkler System – Before tenants move into a residential building that requires a fire sprinkler system, they must be informed as to whether such a system exists. If there is a fire sprinkler system, the landlord must state the last inspection date.^[2]
   3. Landlord Identity – The name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and those authorized to receive service of process, demands, and notices must be disclosed to the tenant at the start of the tenancy.^[3]
   4. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (PDF) – If the dwelling was built in the year 1978 or prior, new tenants must be given this disclosure regarding toxic paint on the premises.^[4]

Maximum Amount ($) – A landlord can charge two months’ rent. However, if the tenant is 62 or older, the maximum allowable charge is one month’s rent.^[5]

Collecting Interest – Landlords must pay interest on security deposits at a rate set annually by the Banking Commissioner.^[6]

Returning to Tenant – Security deposits must be returned within 30 days after the tenancy ends or 15 days after the landlord receives the tenant’s forwarding address, whichever occurs later.^[7]

Itemized List Required? – Yes, when a landlord uses the security deposit to pay for damages, an itemized list of their deductions must be provided to the tenant alongside the remaining balance.^[8]

Separate Bank Account? – Yes, a separate escrow bank account is required for storing security deposits.^[9]

General Access – The landlord must give reasonable notice before accessing the tenant’s property.^[10] While the notice can be provided verbally, delivering a written notice to the tenant is recommended.

Immediate Access – The landlord may enter the property for an emergency without informing the tenant.^[11]

Grace Period – Tenants are given nine days to pay rent after it’s due or four days if the tenancy is week-to-week. If rent isn’t paid within the grace period, the landlord can begin charging late fees (if allowed in the lease) or terminate the tenancy.^[12]

Maximum Late Fee ($) – There is no specific limit, but the late fees must be fair and reflect the actual expenses caused by the delinquent rent.^[13]

Bad Check (NSF) Fee – Connecticut law does not limit the fees a landlord can charge their tenant for a bounced check.

Withholding Rent – Tenants can deduct rent to cover the cost of essential utilities that the landlord fails to provide.^[14] If the livability of a unit is significantly affected by fire, the tenant can withhold rent as long as the issue persists.^[15]

Non-Payment of Rent – Tenants must receive a 3-day notice when rent isn’t paid on time.^[16]

Non-Compliance – If the tenant commits a correctable lease violation, they will receive a 15-day notice.^[17] Otherwise, the landlord must issue a 3-day notice.^[18]

Lockouts – Landlords can only restrict a tenant’s access to their rental unit with a court order.^[19]

Leaving Before the End Date – If a tenant moves out early, the landlord must take reasonable steps to re-rent the unit. The tenant will be responsible for any rent owed throughout the rest of the lease term.^[20]

• Notice of Abandonment – A notice of abandonment must be delivered to the tenant before the landlord can repossess the property and rent it to someone else.^[21]

Month-to-Month Tenancy – Connecticut law doesn’t mention the notice required to end a month-to-month lease. Unless the rental agreement specifies a different time frame, landlords should deliver a lease termination letter at least 30 days in advance.

Unclaimed Property – Any property left behind by a tenant must be inventoried by the landlord and stored for 30 days. If the tenant doesn’t claim their property within 30 days, the landlord can remove it as they see fit.^[22]