Renting in Connecticut
Your rights as a tenant in Connecticut
In Connecticut, the security deposit can be up to 2 months of rent. What state law says about your deposit, the notices you must get, repairs and eviction. Every rule comes with its citation and the text of the law.
Key numbers in Connecticut
- Maximum deposit
- Up to 2 months of rent
- Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21(b)
What the law says
The rules, one by one
The basic rules for renting in Connecticut, answered with state law and its citation.
Tap “What the law says” to read the exact text and see where it comes from.
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How much can they charge for a deposit?
Up to 2 months of rent
By law, the security deposit may not be more than two months' rent; if you are 62 or older, it may not be more than one month's rent.
What the law says · Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21(b)
“By law, the security deposit may not be any more than two months' rent; however, if the tenant is 62 years old or older, it may not be more than one month's rent.”
Source: Connecticut Judicial Branch (Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants in Connecticut) · Verified on October 23, 2026
Protections
Protections the law gives you
We show only what state law says, with its citation. Your city may give you more protections.
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Only a court order can remove you
Yes: state law says so
The only legal way to remove a tenant is a court eviction case called summary process. A landlord cannot evict you on their own.
What the law says · Conn. Gen. Stat. §§47a-43, 47a-46
“The only legal way a landlord can remove a tenant from the property is through a court eviction action called summary process.”
Connecticut Judicial Branch (Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants in Connecticut)
Eviction
How an eviction works in Connecticut
Step by step, with the time periods the law sets. No landlord can skip the court.
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Notice to quit with at least 3 full days to move, served by a state marshal
at least 3 days
What the law says · Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-23
“The Notice to Quit must allow the tenant at least three full days to move. This means that there must be three full days between the date the Notice to Quit is served and the last day listed in the Notice to Quit to vacate”
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Summons and complaint; you have 2 days after the return date to file an appearance
up to 2 days
What the law says · Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-26
“The tenant has two (2) days after the return date to file a paper called an Appearance (form JD-CL-12) or he or she may lose the case by default.”
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Judgment and automatic 5-day stay; for nonpayment you may ask for up to 3 more months if you pay all rent due into court within 5 days
at least 5 days
What the law says · Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-35
“If the tenant loses an eviction case, the tenant is allowed to stay in the apartment for five (5) days. Sundays, legal holidays and the date of judgment are not included in counting the five (5) days. This is called a stay of execution. … If an eviction judgment enters because the tenant has not paid the rent, and the tenant pays to the court all of the rent due within five (5) days of the date of judgment, the tenant may ask the court to allow the tenant to stay in the premises for up to three (3) months.”
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Execution by a state marshal once the stay ends
What the law says · Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-42
“As soon as the stay of execution expires, the landlord may get an execution to remove the tenant and his or her belongings from the apartment. A state marshal must serve the tenant or leave a copy of the execution notice at the premises.”
Free or low-cost legal help
If you get a notice or a court case, look for help early: the deadlines are short. These are official pages or pages the state courts link to.
Where to file a housing discrimination complaint
Connecticut law prohibits illegal discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit. If you believe you experienced illegal discrimination, the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) will investigate at no cost to you. The complaint must be in writing and under oath, and filed within 300 days of the date of the act of discrimination.
Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO)Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a deposit in Connecticut?
By law, the security deposit may not be more than two months' rent; if you are 62 or older, it may not be more than one month's rent. (Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21(b))
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
Pending
What is left to verify
We have not yet verified these Connecticut rules in the law with their citation, so we do not show them. If you need them today, ask for free legal aid.
- When must they return my deposit? Not verified yet
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get? Not verified yet
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental? Not verified yet
- Are there limits on late fees? Not verified yet
- How much notice before a rent increase? Not verified yet
- Protection from retaliation Not verified yet
- Protection related to immigration status Not verified yet
- Repair and deduct from the rent Not verified yet