Connecticut Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21 — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld under Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21(d).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: 2 months rent
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $5,000
- Interest on deposit: Landlord must pay interest annually at rate set by banking commissioner; or place in escrow account
Additional Protections
- Landlord must pay interest on security deposit annually
- Deposit must be held in escrow account at a CT bank
- Tenants 62+ may not be charged more than 1 month rent
What Your Connecticut Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Connecticut's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
30 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
double the amount wrongfully withheld — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
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Connecticut Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Connecticut?
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21, your landlord has 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my Connecticut landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld under Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21(d). You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Connecticut?
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21(b), the maximum security deposit in Connecticut is 2 months rent.
Does my Connecticut landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. Connecticut law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut small claims court handles cases up to $5,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in Connecticut?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Connecticut-specific demand letter citing Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
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