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

In Connecticut, landlords must return the security deposit (plus any accrued interest) within 30 days after you move out, or within 15 days of receiving your forwarding address, whichever is later.

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in CT?

Yes, Connecticut is one of the few states that legally requires landlords to pay tenants interest on their security deposits. The rate is set annually by the state Banking Commissioner.

What happens if a CT landlord fails to return the deposit on time?

If the landlord misses the 30-day deadline, they are liable for double the amount of the security deposit under CT Gen Stat § 47a-21.

Blog / State Laws

CT Rental Security Deposit Laws (2026 Guide & Deadlines)

By Aditya Kumar Yadav · August 9, 2026

CT Return Deadline & Penalties

Under Connecticut law (CT Gen Stat § 47a-21), landlords must return your security deposit and accumulated interest within 30 days of you moving out, or within 15 days of receiving your forwarding address (whichever is later). If they fail to meet this deadline, they are liable to pay you double the original deposit amount.

Connecticut is highly protective of tenant rights, especially when it comes to money. The state has specific statutes governing exactly how much a landlord can charge, where they must keep the money, and exactly when they must give it back. Here is everything you need to know about CT rental security deposit laws.

How Much Can a Landlord Charge?

In Connecticut, the legal limit for a security deposit depends entirely on the tenant's age:

Under 62 years old: The maximum deposit is two (2) months' rent.
62 years old or older: The maximum deposit is one (1) month's rent.

If you turn 62 while living in the unit, you can formally request that your landlord return the portion of the deposit that exceeds one month's rent.

Mandatory Interest Payments

Unlike many other states, Connecticut requires landlords to pay interest on security deposits. The landlord must deposit the funds in an escrow account at a financial institution.

The interest rate is not a flat number; it is set annually by the Connecticut Banking Commissioner. On the anniversary of your tenancy each year, the landlord is required to either pay you the interest accrued or credit it towards your next month's rent. If you move out, any unpaid interest must be returned to you along with the deposit.

The 30-Day Return Rule

When you move out, the landlord has a very specific timeline to return your money:

30 Days: The landlord must return the full deposit plus interest within 30 days of the end of the tenancy.
15 Days: If you did not provide a forwarding address when you moved out, the landlord has 15 days from the date you do provide the address to return the money.

If there is damage to the apartment beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord must provide a written, itemized list of deductions within this same timeframe.

Penalty for Late Return: Double Damages

Connecticut has a strict penalty for landlords who drag their feet. Under CT Gen Stat § 47a-21(d)(2), if a landlord fails to return the deposit (or the balance after lawful deductions) within the required timeframe, the tenant is entitled to recover twice the value of the security deposit.

To pursue this, tenants can file a claim in Small Claims Court, or file a complaint directly with the Connecticut Department of Banking, which oversees security deposit disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord keep my deposit for unpaid rent?

Yes. Landlords are legally allowed to deduct from the security deposit for any unpaid rent, utility bills, or damage beyond normal wear and tear.

What should I do if my landlord hasn't paid me the yearly interest?

If the landlord fails to pay the required annual interest, the tenant can sue them, and the landlord may be liable for a penalty of up to $100 per offense.