Connecticut Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Connecticut security deposit demand letter that follows Connecticut law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Connecticut law says
| Deposit return deadline | 21 days after the tenancy ends, or 15 days after the landlord receives the tenant's written forwarding address, whichever is later. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)(2) |
|---|---|
| Itemized deductions | Landlord must return the full deposit plus interest, or the balance after deductions together with a written statement itemizing the nature and amount of each damage, within the § 47a-21(d)(2) deadline. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)(2) |
| Penalty for withholding | Landlord who misses the deadline or itemization requirement is liable for twice the amount of the security deposit. If the only violation is unpaid interest, liability is the greater of $10 or twice the accrued interest. Knowing and wilful failure is also a fine of up to $250 per offense. |
| Wear and tear / move-out charges | Connecticut statutes do not define normal wear and tear. At move-out the landlord may deduct only damages suffered because the tenant failed to comply with tenant obligations, with a written itemized statement. Tenants must not willfully or negligently damage the premises or let others do so. Since January 1, 2024, landlords must offer a pre-move-in walk-through using the state checklist, and may not charge for any condition noted on that checklist. |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)(2), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)(2), (k)(1).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.