Connecticut Security Deposit Return Deadline
- Penalty for missing it
- 2x (twice the security deposit) (Violation of § 47a-21(d)(2). If the ONLY violation is failure to deliver accrued interest, penalty is the greater of $10 or twice the interest. Separate criminal fine: knowing/willful failure to pay deposit = up to $250 per offense; interest failures = up to $100 per offense (§ 47a-21(k)).)
- The law
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)(2) (penalty); § 47a-21(k) (fines)
The rule
NOT 30 days — as of 10/1/2023 (SB 943 / Public Act 23-207): the LATER of (1) 15 BUSINESS days after termination of tenancy, or (2) 15 days after the landlord receives the tenant's written notification of forwarding address. Many older sources still say 30 days; they are stale.
- Interest REQUIRED on deposits, at a rate set annually by the Banking Commissioner, paid annually on the tenancy anniversary; deposits must be held in an escrow account at a Connecticut financial institution.
- Deposit cap: 2 months' rent for tenants under 62; 1 month for tenants 62+. Tenant loses interest for any month rent was >10 days late (unless a late charge was imposed).
- Connecticut small claims limit: $5,000.
- Landlord must notify tenant in writing of the escrow account location.
What happens if your landlord misses the deadline
In Connecticut, a missed deadline seriously weakens your landlord's position. Depending on the circumstances, they may forfeit the right to deduct anything at all, owe you the penalty above, or both. The exact consequence depends on Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)(2) (penalty); § 47a-21(k) (fines) and whether they provided the required itemized statement. Don't assume the money is gone — a missed deadline is often the strongest fact pattern for getting it back.
Your next steps in Connecticut
- Confirm the clock ran. Make sure you provided a forwarding address in writing, and that the full deadline has passed.
- Send a demand letter citing Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)(2) (penalty); § 47a-21(k) (fines) and the 2x (twice the security deposit) penalty. Most landlords pay at this stage.
- If they ignore it, file in small claims. See our walkthrough for the process.
Connecticut deposit questions
How long does my Connecticut landlord have to return my deposit?
NOT 30 days — as of 10/1/2023 (SB 943 / Public Act 23-207): the LATER of (1) 15 BUSINESS days after termination of tenancy, or (2) 15 days after the landlord receives the tenant's written notification of forwarding address. Many older sources still say 30 days; they are stale.
What if my landlord never sends an itemized list of deductions?
In most states — including Connecticut — failing to provide the required itemized statement within the deadline forfeits the landlord's right to withhold anything. Check Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)(2) (penalty); § 47a-21(k) (fines) for the exact rule.
Can I get more than my deposit back in Connecticut?
Connecticut law allows 2x (twice the security deposit) for Violation of § 47a-21(d)(2). If the ONLY violation is failure to deliver accrued interest, penalty is the greater of $10 or twice the interest. Separate criminal fine: knowing/willful failure to pay deposit = up to $250 per offense; interest failures = up to $100 per offense (§ 47a-21(k)).. See our penalties guide for how judges apply this.
Source: http://cga.ct.gov/2023/BA/PDF/2023SB-00943-R000144-BA.PDF · Verified 2026-10-09