How do I get my security deposit back in Connecticut?
Connecticut law generally requires a landlord to either return a tenant's security deposit or, if deductions are taken, provide a written, itemized statement within the statutory time period after the tenancy ends. The statute also defines security deposits and requires certain handling of deposits, such as holding them in an escrow type account. When a landlord keeps all or part of a deposit, tenants often request an accounting and may pursue a claim in court if the landlord does not comply with the statutory requirements.
Special rules apply when a state agency paid a deposit on a tenant's behalf: the statute creates a process for the Department of Social Services to receive the deposit or an accounting. Court decisions have interpreted the timing and content requirements for the landlord's written statement and have addressed failures to hold deposits in escrow accounts.
Current Connecticut law
Every answer cites the statute
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The deadline that matters
A landlord generally must return the deposit or provide a written, itemized statement within 30 days after the tenancy ends.
What Connecticut law says
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21 the statute defines "security deposit" and related terms and sets out the landlord's obligations for handling security deposits. Case law interprets subsection (d)(2) to require that within thirty days after termination of the tenancy a landlord must either return the full deposit or deliver the remaining balance and a written statement itemizing any deductions, see Carroll v. Yankwitt (Conn. App. Ct. 2021). Courts have also considered a landlord's failure to hold a deposit in an escrow account under the statute, see Freidburg v. Kurtz, 210 Conn. App. 420 (Conn. App. Ct. 2022). For deposits paid with certain public assistance, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-114 describes the department's role and how a landlord must account to both the tenant and the department.
What to do
A common first step is to send a written demand to the landlord asking for the deposit and requesting the itemized statement, keeping a copy for your records.
A common next step is to gather and preserve evidence: the lease, move-in/move-out photos, receipts for repairs, and any communication with the landlord.
A common option is to prepare a small claims court filing if the landlord fails to comply with the statutory deadline and accounting requirements.
A common step when a deposit was paid with public assistance is to notify or include the relevant state agency or follow the procedures in the statute that apply to agency-held claims.
A common additional step is to document unsuccessful collection attempts and any landlord communications that might be used at a hearing.
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Common questions
Must a landlord give a written list of deductions?
Yes, when a landlord keeps any part of a deposit they generally must provide a written statement itemizing the nature and amount of deductions within the statutory time period, as interpreted in Carroll v. Yankwitt (Conn. App. Ct. 2021).
Can a landlord keep a deposit for unpaid rent and damages?
The statute contemplates deductions for unpaid rent and lawful tenant obligations; if deductions are made the landlord generally must account for them in the required written statement, see Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21.
What if the landlord did not hold the deposit in an escrow account?
Does a different rule apply if a government agency paid the deposit?
Yes, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-114 sets out procedures for deposits paid via certain public assistance, including the department's ability to receive the deposit or an accounting.
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This page provides general legal information about Connecticut law and not legal advice. CiteLaw is not a law firm and does not represent you. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
