Connecticut Security Deposit Law
Connecticut rules on security deposits for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: 2 months' rent; 1 month's rent if the tenant is 62 or older. A tenant who turns 62 after paying more than one month's rent can ask for the excess back. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(b)
The rules in Connecticut
| Security deposit limit | 2 months' rent; 1 month's rent if the tenant is 62 or older. A tenant who turns 62 after paying more than one month's rent can ask for the excess back. Excess-refund-at-62 rule added by P.A. 17-236. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(b) |
|---|---|
| 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. P.A. 23-207 shortened the period from 30 to 21 days. The Judicial Branch booklet JDP-HM-31 (Rev. 1/26) still says 30 days; the statute controls. 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) |
| Interest on deposits | Required. Rate for each calendar year is set at not less than the deposit index (Banking Commissioner), and in no event less than 1.5%. Paid annually on the tenancy anniversary or credited to rent; accrued interest due within 21 days at end of tenancy. No interest for any month the tenant was more than 10 days late, unless the landlord charged a late fee for that month. Lease may not require tenant to waive deposit interest (§ 47a-4(a)(4)). Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(i) |
| 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. |
Free calculators
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator — See when your landlord must return your deposit, and the penalty your state sets if they don't.
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Related questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
Connecticut vs. neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Itemized deductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 2 months' rent; 1 month's rent if the tenant is 62 or older. A tenant who turns 62 after paying more than one month's rent can ask for the excess back. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(b) | 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) | 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. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)(2) |
| Massachusetts | Security deposit may not exceed one month's rent. At or before the start of a tenancy a landlord (or the landlord's agent) may require only: first full month's rent, last full month's rent (at the same rate as the first), a security deposit of up to one month's rent, and the purchase and installation cost of a new lock and key. No other upfront charges (e.g., application, pet, or landlord-side broker fees) are allowed. G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(b) | 30 days after the tenancy ends (end of a tenancy at will or end of the lease term). The landlord must return the deposit, or whatever balance remains, with any accrued interest. G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4) | To keep any part of the deposit for damage, the landlord must give the tenant, within 30 days after the tenancy ends, an itemized list of the damage. The list must be signed under the pains and penalties of perjury, describe the damage and repairs in precise detail, and include written evidence such as estimates, bills, invoices, or receipts. G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)(iii) |
| New York | One month's rent N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(a) | 14 days after the tenant vacates N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(e) | Itemized statement showing the basis for any amount retained, within 14 days of move-out. Deductions limited to reasonable, itemized costs for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utilities, and moving/storage of tenant belongings. Tenant may request a pre-move-out inspection, after which the landlord must give an itemized list of proposed repairs/cleaning. N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(b), (d), (e) |
| Rhode Island | One month's periodic rent. A separate furniture deposit (also capped at one month's rent) is allowed only for furnished units whose furniture has a replacement value of $5,000 or more. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(a), (e) | 20 days after the latest of: termination of tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b) | Written itemized notice of deductions sent with the refund. Allowed deductions: unpaid accrued rent, reasonable cleaning, reasonable trash disposal, and damage beyond normal wear and tear caused by the tenant. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b) |
City rules that may add to state law
More Connecticut rental law
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- Free legal help in Connecticut
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Connecticut Security Deposit Law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Connecticut?
2 months' rent; 1 month's rent if the tenant is 62 or older. A tenant who turns 62 after paying more than one month's rent can ask for the excess back. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(b))
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Connecticut?
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))
Does a landlord in Connecticut have to give an itemized list of deposit 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. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)(2))
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Connecticut?
Required. Rate for each calendar year is set at not less than the deposit index (Banking Commissioner), and in no event less than 1.5%. Paid annually on the tenancy anniversary or credited to rent; accrued interest due within 21 days at end of tenancy. No interest for any month the tenant was more than 10 days late, unless the landlord charged a late fee for that month. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(i))
What happens if a landlord in Connecticut wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
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. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)(2), (k)(1))
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.