✓ Law Verified June 2026
This guide explains connecticut security deposit law in plain English — how much your landlord can charge, when they must return it, what they can and cannot deduct, and what to do if they do not give it back. All figures are from Connecticut law, verified as of June 2026.
In This Connecticut Guide:
Connecticut Security Deposit Rules at a Glance
| Maximum deposit | 2 months rent (1 month rent if tenant is 62 years of age or older) |
| Return deadline | 21 days after termination of tenancy, or 15 days after landlord receives tenant’s written forwarding address, whichever is later (Connecticut General Statutes Section 47a-21) |
| Itemized deductions required | YES — the landlord must provide a written statement itemizing the nature and amount of each deduction, including any unpaid rent or utility payments, along with the remaining balance of the deposit plus accrued interest |
| Interest on deposit required | YES — landlords must pay interest on security deposits at the rate set annually by the Connecticut Banking Commissioner (0.49% for 2026); interest must be paid annually on the anniversary date of the tenancy, either directly to the tenant or as a credit toward the next month’s rent |
| Penalty for late/bad-faith return | If the landlord fails to return the deposit with interest or provide the required itemized written statement within the statutory deadline, the landlord may be liable for double the amount of the security deposit (twice the deposit). The court may also award the tenant reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs. A landlord who makes a good-faith claim for actual damages with proper written notification may avoid the double-damages penalty, but the burden is on the landlord to prove compliance |
Move-in/move-out walkthrough: Connecticut does not require a joint move-in or move-out walkthrough inspection by statute. However, tenants are strongly advised to document the unit’s condition at move-in and move-out with dated photos, video, and written notes, and to request a joint walkthrough if possible, as this evidence is critical in any deposit dispute
Separate deposit account: YES — the landlord must hold the security deposit in an escrow account at a financial institution located in Connecticut. The deposit remains the tenant’s property; the landlord holds only a security interest in it.
Within 30 days of receiving the deposit (or transferring it to a new institution), the landlord must provide the tenant with written notice identifying the name and address of the financial institution where the deposit is held
What Your Landlord Can and Cannot Deduct in Connecticut
Unpaid rent; unpaid utility charges owed under the lease; damage to the unit beyond normal wear and tear caused by the tenant; cleaning costs beyond routine maintenance necessary to restore the unit to its original condition (e.g., removing stains, odors, or heavy soiling caused by the tenant)
Normal wear and tear vs damage: Normal wear and tear is deterioration that results from the intended use of the rental unit, provided there has been no accident, misuse, carelessness, negligence, or abuse by the tenant. Examples include faded or chipped paint from aging, minor scuff marks on floors and walls, lightly worn carpet from regular foot traffic, and small nail holes.
Landlords may not deduct for these conditions. Damage beyond normal wear and tear includes large holes in walls, broken fixtures, burns, unauthorized paint colors, heavy staining, and pet damage
How to Get Your Deposit Back in Connecticut
Step 1: Send the landlord a written demand letter (keep a copy) requesting the full deposit plus interest and an itemized accounting of any deductions. Step 2: If the landlord does not respond or refuses, you may file a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Banking, which investigates rental security deposit complaints and can issue cease-and-desist orders or refer the matter to the Attorney General.
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Step 3: You may file a small claims lawsuit in your local Housing Session court (or Geographical Area court if no Housing Session exists) using Form JD-CV-40. Many tenants can recover double the deposit amount if the landlord violated Section 47a-21. Bring your lease, photos, demand letter, and all communications as evidence
Other Connecticut deposit rules: Tenants age 62 or older may only be charged a maximum of 1 month’s rent as a security deposit; if a tenant turns 62 during the tenancy they may request a refund of the excess amount.
The Connecticut Banking Commissioner sets the required interest rate annually (0.49% for 2026). Landlords must notify the tenant in writing within 30 days of the name and address of the financial institution holding the escrow.
The Department of Banking (not just the AG) has enforcement authority over deposit violations and accepts tenant complaints directly. Pet deposits count toward the overall deposit cap. If a property is sold or foreclosed, the prior landlord must transfer the deposit to the new owner, or the tenant may hold the new owner responsible
Your landlord’s insurance won’t cover your stuff
Renters insurance protects your belongings for a few dollars a month.
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Official Connecticut Sources & Resources
- Connecticut Attorney General: https://portal.ct.gov/dob/rental-security-deposits/rental-security-deposits/rental-security-deposits
- Connecticut Security Deposit Statute: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_831.htm
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: hud.gov
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: law.cornell.edu/wex
Understanding Connecticut Security Deposit Law
Your Connecticut security deposit is your money until the landlord proves a lawful deduction. Connecticut security deposit law sets clear limits on how much can be charged, what can be deducted, and when the balance must be returned. If your landlord misses the Connecticut security deposit return deadline or takes deductions that are not allowed, you may be entitled to penalties.
Document the condition of your unit at move-in and move-out — photos are the best protection for your Connecticut security deposit.
This Connecticut security deposit guide was last verified against official sources in June 2026. Laws change — verify with your state or a local legal-aid office.
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Disclaimer: This guide is informational only and is not legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change and vary by city and county within a state. Verify current rules with your state, your local court, or a free legal-aid office before acting. If you are facing eviction, contact a local tenant attorney or legal-aid organization right away.