Connecticut Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Connecticut facts

Security deposit deadline

21 days after the tenancy ends, or 15 days after the landlord receives the tenant's written forwarding address, whichever is later. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)(2)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

Rent is not 'unpaid' for eviction purposes until a 9-day grace period passes (4 days for week-to-week). Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 47a-15a(a), 47a-23

Small claims limit

$5,000 for money damages. Home improvement contract claims may be up to $15,000, and a tenant's security deposit suit may recover up to twice the deposit. Connecticut Judicial Branch Small Claims page and Small Claims FAQ

Small estate affidavit

If the decedent's solely owned personal property (not counting property that passes outside probate, such as joint or beneficiary-designated assets) is worth $40,000 or less and the decedent owned no real estate in… Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-273

Cost of a protective order

The cost of serving the papers, including mileage, is paid by the Judicial Branch. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-15(h)(1)

Minimum wage

$16.94 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. The rate is adjusted every January 1 based on the federal employment cost index. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-58; Connecticut Department of Labor, Wage and Workplace Standards

Final paycheck if fired

By the next business day after the discharge. If the employee is laid off, by the next regular payday. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-71c(b)–(c)

Time limit to sue on a debt

6 years for an action on a written contract, a simple or implied contract, or an account. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-576(a)