Monday 11 November 2013

Questions About The Security Deposit Laws In CT

By Matt Baumberger


It is important to know the security deposit laws in CT if you are a tenant or landlord in the state. These laws and regulations protect both the landlord and tenant's rights. The rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant when it comes to the holding, collection and returning of the security deposit are outlined in these laws. Below are some common questions about these laws.

In Connecticut, what is the dollar limit for a security deposit?

Two months rent is the most a landlord can charge a tenant if they are under 62 years old. If they are older than 62, the landlord can only charge one month's rent. If a tenant older than 62 has paid more than this, they have the right to ask the landlord to be reimbursed for the difference.

Where does the landlord need to keep the security deposit?

The landlord must deposit the security deposit into an escrow account in a Connecticut bank according to the security deposit laws in CT. This ensures that the money remains the tenants property and cannot be taken by any creditors of the landlord. The law also states that the landlord must pay interest on the deposit amount upon the end of the lease agreement or it's anniversary.

By CT Law, is the landlord required to give the tenant a written notice upon receipt of the security deposit?

In CT, the law does not require the landlord give a written notice upon receiving the security deposit from the tenant.

Can a landlord keep a security deposit and why?

A landlord can keep all or a portion of the security deposit if the tenant doesn't pay rent, damages the property in excess of normal wear and tear or violates other terms on the lease agreement such as unpaid utility bills.

When can the tenant get his or her security deposit back?

Security deposit laws in CT require the landlord return the security deposit, and any interest on it, to the tenant with in 30 days of the vacating of the rental. If there is no forwarding address provided, 30 days from move out is given to the landlord to return the security deposit. If he does receive a forwarding address, he has 15 days to return the deposit. Deductions from the security deposit can be made by the landlord for any violations of the lease or damages to the property. The landlord must send the tenant an itemized list with the price for any repairs. If the landlord fails to follow the security deposit laws in CT, the tenant could be entitled to double the security deposit.

What is the case if the landlord sells the property before the end of the lease?

The old owner will have to transfer the security deposit with any interest over to the new owner. The new owner would then deposit the money into a new escrow account for the tenant and would be responsible for returning it to the tenant.

See Section 47a-21 of the Connecticut general statues for more information on this. These are the most common questions about the security deposit laws in CT.




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