Connecticut Security Deposit Law: Two-Month Cap, 30-Day Return

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21, a landlord may not demand a security deposit exceeding two months' rent, reduced to one month's rent once the tenant reaches age 62. Deposits must be held in escrow and accrue interest, which is paid or credited to the tenant annually. After a tenancy ends, the landlord must, "not later than thirty days after termination of a tenancy or fifteen days after receiving written notification of such tenant's forwarding address, whichever is later," deliver the deposit plus accrued interest, or the balance after deductions together with "a written statement itemizing the nature and amount of such damages." Deductions are limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21, a landlord who violates the return-and-itemization provisions "shall be liable for twice the amount of any security deposit paid by such tenant." If the only failure is to deliver accrued interest, liability is ten dollars or twice the accrued interest, whichever is greater.