The Connecticut lease agreement lays down the foundation for a written understanding of how the tenancy will transpire between a lessor and lessee. The document can be customized to fit the needs of each party by providing certain provisions, such as the cost of rent, duration of the occupancy, and the terms & conditions that follow state regulations. (Landlords/Tenants should realize that it is generally common practice for the renter to complete an application prior to acceptance.)
Rental Application – A contributed form made available to assist in the screening process for possible renters of residential property. The information obtained can then be utilized to analyze background data on each applicant.
Connecticut Association of Realtors Residential Lease Agreement – A formatted document produced by the Association of Realtors representing the state of Connecticut. Encompassed in the paperwork are the contractual arrangements to lease housing for a determined period and monetary compensation.
Commercial Lease Agreement – When an individual/entity would like to rent a property where they can locate their business.
Lease to Own Agreement – For renters who would like the option to buy the property for the term of the lease.
Month-to-Month Lease – Can be voided at the end of any month by either side of the contract provided that the terminating party supplies the other with thirty (30) days’ notification.
Roommate Agreement – Is implemented when a tenant or owner would like to rent a room with a shared common space within a residential dwelling to another individual.
Standard Lease Agreement – Emphasizes the technicalities involved in an understanding to rent a piece of real estate.
Sublease Agreement – A contract that can be carried out when a current occupant would like to re-rent the property to another individual (if given permission by the primary landlord).
Connecticut contains a section within the state’s law called Title 47a – Landlord and Tenant. This section includes chapters that list the proper code of conduct that must be followed by lessors and lessees when entering into a contract regarding a rental property. (The state also provides an informative guide called the Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants in Connecticut which summarizes the content within Title 47a in a comprehensive way.)
Bed Bug Infestation (§ 47a-7a(c)) – If a landlord is looking to rent a dwelling that is currently infested with bed bugs, they must disclose this information to the potential tenant before entering into an agreement. Prior to the tenancy, the lessee may request the landlord to disclose the most recent date in which the property was inspected, treated, and found to be bedbug-free.
Common-interest Communities (§ 47a-3e) – If the property is classified as a “common-interest community”, the landlord must disclose this fact within the content of the lease agreement prior to the occupancy. This term usually refers to condominium projects, but it can also apply to timeshares, co-ops, or other types of residential developments.
Fire Sprinkler System (§ 47a-3f) – When renting a residential property, the lessor must provide the lessee with written information regarding the presence or absence of a fire sprinkler system, as well as any details concerning the date in which the system was last serviced and inspected (all info should be printed in a minimum font size of 12-point or higher).
Identification of Landlord (§ 47a-6) – It is mandatory for the landlord (or authorized agent) to disclose in writing the current names and addresses of any individuals responsible for managing the premises, as well as any individuals who are permitted to receive notices, requests, or serving papers regarding the property.
Lead-Based Paint (42 U.S. Code § 4852d) – In accordance with federal demands, all owners/landlords of any property that was manufactured prior to 1978 are obliged by law to disclose any possible lead paint risks that may be found within the premises.
Although rent is legally owed on the date stipulated within the lease agreement, Connecticut offers a nine (9) day grace period (§ 47a-15a). If the lease is for a week-to-week rental property, the tenant has a grace period of four (4) days.
If a tenant does not pay rent on the due date and exceeds the nine (9) day grace period, the landlord may charge a late fee for damages (§ 47a-4(a)(8)). Although there is no statute that stipulates a maximum late fee, the courts insist that the charge be within reason and not exceed 5% of the rent payment (according to the state’s research report).
If a lessee provides a bad rent check, they are not liable to compensate the lessor for any damages that may have occurred when trying to process the check at the bank (§ 52-565a(d)).
For tenants under the age of 62, the total amount a landlord can request for a security deposit may not be more than two (2) months’ rent. If the tenant is 62 years of age or older, the maximum security deposit is one (1) month’s rent (§ 47a-21(b)).
Once the tenancy has been terminated, it is required by law for the lessor to return the full security deposit amount (unless there have been damages or unpaid rent) within thirty (30) days. The only time this may be exceeded is if the tenant failed to provide a new forwarding address within a timely manner, in which case the landlord would have fifteen (15) days to return the deposit from the time they received the address (§ 47a-21(d)(2)).
A landlord must provide reasonable notice and receive consent from the tenant prior to entering their dwelling (§ 47a-16(c)). The only time consent is not required is if there is an emergency situation.
