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Connecticut security deposit law

Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21 · Checked against the statute

Maximum deposit
Two months' rent for tenants under 62. One month's rent for tenants 62 or older; a tenant who turns 62 after paying more can ask for the excess back.
Return deadline
21 days after the tenancy terminates; 15 days after the tenant gives a forwarding address (Written forwarding address received so late that 15 days after it falls after the 21-day mark)
If the landlord keeps it wrongly
A landlord who violates the return rules is liable for twice the deposit. If the only violation is unpaid interest, the penalty is $10 or twice the interest, whichever is greater (§ 47a-21(d)(2)). Knowing, wilful failures can also bring fines.

Calculate your Connecticut deadline

Choose your state and move-out date to see when your landlord must return the deposit.

When the deposit must be returned

  • Return the deposit plus accrued interest, or the balance with an itemized statement of damages, within 21 days after the tenancy ends or 15 days after receiving the tenant's written forwarding address, whichever is later.
  • If the written forwarding address arrives late, the landlord has 15 days after receiving it.

The tenant may give a written forwarding address when the tenancy ends, and the refund goes to that address. Courts have held that the double-damages claim fails if the tenant never gave a forwarding address.

Itemized list of deductions

Required: Yes. Written statement itemizing the nature and amount of the damages.

What can and can't be deducted

Deductions only for unpaid rent or utilities, lock-change costs, and damage from the tenant's failure to meet the tenant duties in § 47a-11. The section doesn't define wear and tear.

Nonrefundable fees

'Security deposit' means any advance rental payment except first month's rent or a deposit for a key or special equipment; all of it is covered by the cap and refund rules.

Interest, bank account and move-in inspection

  • Interest required: Yes. Interest at no less than the deposit index set yearly by the Banking Commissioner (0.49% for 2026), paid or credited toward rent on each anniversary of the tenancy and at the end. No interest for any month rent was more than 10 days late, unless the landlord charges a late fee. Student housing owned by schools is exempt.
  • Separate account required: Yes. Deposits must go immediately into an escrow account at a Connecticut financial institution. Within 30 days, the landlord must tell the tenant in writing the amount held and the bank's name and address.
  • Move-in inspection required: No. The statute does not require a move-in inspection or checklist.

Penalties and bad faith

A landlord who violates the return rules is liable for twice the deposit. If the only violation is unpaid interest, the penalty is $10 or twice the interest, whichever is greater (§ 47a-21(d)(2)). Knowing, wilful failures can also bring fines.

No bad-faith test for double damages; courts only check compliance with the statute. A good-faith damage claim is a defense to the criminal fine.

Getting your deposit back in court

Small claims up to $5,000, but a tenant can be awarded twice the deposit even if that exceeds $5,000. Court information

Before filing, many tenants send a written demand first. Write a Connecticut demand letter →

Also good to know

  • The Department of Banking investigates complaints about deposits, escrow, and interest.
  • Deposits remain the tenant's property and are protected from the landlord's creditors.

Sources

Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 11, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; see our methodology.