Connecticut Security Deposit Itemization Requirements

Connecticut requires landlords to provide an itemized deduction statement within 15 days. Learn what's required and what to do if your landlord didn't comply.

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Itemized Statement Required

Connecticut law requires your landlord to provide an itemized written statement of any deductions within 15 days, separate from the 21-day deadline to return the deposit itself. This means there are two distinct deadlines to track. Missing either one can strengthen your claim.

Two Separate Deadlines

Connecticut has two distinct deadlines: 21 days to return the deposit itself, and 15 days to provide the itemized statement. Missing either triggers violations.

Itemization

Itemized Statement Required

Connecticut law requires your landlord to provide an itemized written statement of any deductions within 15 days, separate from the 21-day deadline to return the deposit itself. This means there are two distinct deadlines to track. Missing either one can strengthen your claim.

Two deadlines to track: your landlord has 21 days to return the deposit, but only 15 days to provide the itemized statement. Missing either deadline strengthens your claim.

What Makes an Itemization Legally Sufficient in Connecticut?

Courts in Connecticut have generally held that a proper itemization must:

  • →List each deduction as a separate line item
  • →Include a specific dollar amount for each charge
  • →Identify what was damaged or cleaned, not just a category
  • →Be delivered in writing within 15 days
  • →Be accompanied by any remaining deposit balance or explanation of why none remains

A vague statement such as “cleaning and repairs: $600” typically does not satisfy the requirement. If your landlord's itemization was insufficient, their deductions may be invalid even if the underlying charges were legitimate.

Questions

Common questions answered.

Your Connecticut landlord has 21 days after your move-out date to return your security deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions. This deadline is set by Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21.

If your landlord misses the 21-day deadline, you may be entitled to up to 2× the amount wrongfully withheld under Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21(d)(2). This penalty applies automatically. You don't need to prove intent.

No. Connecticut law under Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21 explicitly prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. This includes faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet thinning from regular use. Deductions must be for actual damage beyond what normal living causes.

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21, the itemization must list each specific deduction with a corresponding dollar amount. Vague entries like "repairs: $500" are generally insufficient. Each line item should identify what was damaged and why it was charged.

If your landlord fails to provide the required itemized statement within 15 days, they may lose the right to withhold any portion of your deposit under Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21. This is true even if some deductions might otherwise have been legitimate.

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