Updated for 2026

Connecticut Security Deposit Laws & Calculator

Q: How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Connecticut?

Connecticut uses a dual-deadline system: the landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after termination of the tenancy OR 15 days after receiving the tenant's forwarding address, whichever is later.

Q: What is the maximum security deposit in Connecticut?

Connecticut limits security deposits to 2 months' rent.

Q: Does Connecticut require interest on security deposits?

Yes. Connecticut requires landlords to pay annual interest on security deposits. The interest must be paid or credited to the tenant each year.

Q: How do I get my security deposit back in Connecticut?

Provide your forwarding address in writing after move-out. The landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends OR 15 days after receiving your address (whichever is later). If unresolved, send a demand letter citing Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21 and file in small claims court (limit: $5,000).

Connecticut uses a dual-deadline system: your landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends or 15 days after receiving your forwarding address — whichever is later. Deposits are capped at 2 months' rent, and landlords must pay annual interest. Wrongful withholding carries a 2x penalty.

Calculate My Refund Generate Demand Letter

Connecticut Security Deposit — Quick Facts

Return Deadline

30 or 15 Days

Whichever is later (see below)

Maximum Deposit

2 Months' Rent

Penalty for Late Return

2x Deposit

+ court costs

Interest Required

✓ Yes

Annual interest required

Applicable Law

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21

Interest + Dual Deadline: Connecticut is one of the few states that requires landlords to pay annual interest on security deposits. The state also uses a dual-deadline system — the return clock is 30 days after the tenancy ends OR 15 days after the landlord receives your forwarding address, whichever comes later. Always provide your forwarding address in writing immediately after move-out to start the clock.

Calculate Your Connecticut Deposit Refund

Enter your deposit amount and move-out date to see your landlord's deadline and total refund.

Open Full Calculator Generate Demand Letter

Connecticut Security Deposit Law — Explained

The Dual-Deadline System

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21, Connecticut landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days after termination of the tenancy OR 15 days after receiving the tenant's forwarding address — whichever is later. This dual-deadline system means the clock doesn't fully start until both conditions are met. Providing your forwarding address in writing immediately after move-out is critical to triggering the shorter 15-day window.

What Your Landlord Can Deduct

Connecticut landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. The landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet worn from regular use — cannot be charged to the tenant. If the landlord fails to provide an itemized list, they may forfeit the right to claim deductions.

2x Penalty for Wrongful Withholding

If a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit, the tenant can recover 2x the full deposit amount plus court costs. This is one of the stronger penalties among US states and applies when the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide a proper accounting within the required timeframe.

Annual Interest Requirement

Connecticut requires landlords to pay annual interest on security deposits. The interest must be paid or credited to the tenant each year during the tenancy. If the landlord fails to pay the required interest, the tenant may be entitled to additional damages. This requirement applies regardless of the deposit amount or the length of the tenancy.

Deposit Cap: 2 Months' Rent

Connecticut caps security deposits at 2 months' rent. Any amount collected above this limit is a violation of state law. If your landlord charged more than 2 months' rent, you may have grounds to recover the excess amount plus penalties.

What to Do If Your Landlord Won't Return Your Deposit

1
Document everything before you leave Take timestamped photos and video of every room. Keep your lease, receipts, and all communications.
2
Provide your forwarding address in writing Send it via certified mail or email with a read receipt. This triggers the 15-day deadline window.
3
Wait for the later deadline to pass 30 days after the tenancy ends OR 15 days after the landlord receives your forwarding address — whichever is later.
4
Send a formal demand letter Use RenterCalc's demand letter generator citing Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21. Include any unpaid interest owed. Send via certified mail.
5
File in small claims court Connecticut's small claims limit is $5,000. You can sue for up to 2x the deposit amount plus court costs.

Connecticut Security Deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Connecticut?

Connecticut uses a dual-deadline system: 30 days after the tenancy ends OR 15 days after receiving your forwarding address — whichever is later.

What is the maximum security deposit in Connecticut?

Connecticut limits security deposits to 2 months' rent.

What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in Connecticut?

Tenants can recover 2x the deposit amount plus court costs if the landlord wrongfully withholds the deposit.

Does Connecticut require interest on security deposits?

Yes. Connecticut requires landlords to pay annual interest on security deposits throughout the tenancy.

How do I get my security deposit back in Connecticut?

Provide your forwarding address in writing, wait for the dual deadline to pass, send a demand letter citing Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21, and file in small claims court (limit: $5,000) if unresolved.

Ready to Calculate Your Connecticut Refund?

It takes less than 60 seconds. Free for every renter.

Use the Calculator → Generate a Demand Letter →