Can a Landlord Shut Off Electricity for Non-Payment in Connecticut?

If you’re renting in Connecticut and are worried about the power being turned off, understanding your rights and your landlord’s responsibilities is essential. Electricity is a basic necessity, and state law provides renters with strong protections. This article explains in plain terms what Connecticut law says about landlords disconnecting utilities for non-payment, what official forms and authorities are involved, and your options if your electricity is threatened.

When Can a Landlord Legally Shut Off Electricity?

In Connecticut, the law is very clear: Landlords are not allowed to shut off your electricity as a response to non-payment of rent. This is considered a form of illegal “self-help” eviction. Only a court can order your removal or take action against you for unpaid rent.

• It is illegal for a landlord to willfully cause the termination or interruption of essential services like electricity, water, or heat as a way to make a tenant move out.
• If the utility is included in your rent and is shut off (for example, the landlord didn't pay the bill), you have the right to act quickly to restore service.
• Even if you are behind on rent, you cannot be forced to leave or lose utilities without going through the legal eviction process in court.

These protections apply whether your rental agreement is written or verbal, and regardless of your payment status.^[1]

What Should You Do If Your Landlord Threatens or Shuts Off Utilities?

• Keep written records of threats or actual shut-offs.
• Contact your local housing authority or the Connecticut Department of Housing to report illegal utility shut-offs.
• If your electricity is cut off due to your landlord’s actions, you may have the right to take the landlord to court, request restoration, and seek damages.
• You can call local law enforcement if your health or safety is at risk.

If your service is in your landlord’s name and it’s shut off for non-payment (not caused by you), Connecticut offers an official process to have the utility transferred into your name to keep it running. See the official form below for help with this situation.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

"Tenant’s Rights When Landlord Fails to Pay Utility Bills" Form

• Name: Tenant Application For Continuation Of Utility Service (No official form number)
• When It’s Used: When your landlord fails to pay the utility bill (like electricity) and the company notifies you the service will be terminated, you may ask the company to put the account in your name to prevent shut off.
• How to Use It: Contact your electric provider and state you are a tenant under Connecticut law (C.G.S. § 16-262e). The provider will guide you and may require proof of tenancy (like your lease or rent receipts).
• Download the official Tenant Utility Continuation Notice (PDF)

Legal Authorities and Tribunals

• Connecticut Superior Court Housing Session is the official tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes, including illegal lockouts or utility shut-offs.
• The Connecticut Department of Housing is the primary state agency for renters’ rights issues.

For more on tenant rights and eviction procedures, consult the Connecticut General Statutes – Chapter 832: Landlord and Tenant and Chapter 833: Summary Process.^[1][2]

Action Steps for Renters Facing Utility Shut-Offs

• Contact your utility provider immediately to explain your situation and your rights as a tenant under Connecticut law.
• Provide the utility with proof of tenancy (lease, rent receipts, or correspondence).
• Download and submit the Tenant Utility Continuation Notice if requested.
• If service is shut off or you are threatened, notify your local housing authority and consider filing a claim in Housing Court.

Act promptly to protect your right to essential services and document all communications with your landlord and the utility company.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord ever legally turn off my electricity for late rent?
   No. In Connecticut, electricity shut-offs as a response to unpaid rent are illegal. Only the court can authorize an eviction, and essential services must be maintained during the process.
2. What if the utility account is in my landlord’s name and service is shut off?
   You can ask the utility company to transfer service into your name using the "Tenant Utility Continuation Notice." The utility company cannot charge you for the landlord’s unpaid balance.
3. What official authority handles complaints about illegal shut-offs?
   The Connecticut Superior Court Housing Session manages these disputes. You can seek a court order to restore service and request damages.
4. What steps should I take if my utilities are shut off?
   Contact the utility provider, document everything, notify your local housing authority, and consider seeking legal assistance or going to court if needed.
5. Are there penalties for landlords who illegally shut off utilities?
   Yes. Landlords may face damages and be ordered by the court to restore services, and possibly pay tenant damages and costs.

Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

• Landlords cannot shut off your electricity as a way to collect overdue rent in Connecticut.
• Use the official utility continuation process if your landlord fails to pay the bill.
• Contact housing authorities or the courts if your power is unfairly cut off.

Knowing these rights helps ensure your home stays safe—and with the lights on—even if rent disputes arise.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Department of Housing – Renters assistance and complaints
• Connecticut Superior Court Housing Session – File a court claim for illegal lockouts or shut-offs
• Connecticut General Statutes – Landlord and Tenant Laws
• Tenant Utility Continuation Notice (official CT form)
• For emergencies, call local law enforcement or municipal services

---

1. Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-13 (Tenant’s right to essential services)
2. Connecticut General Statutes § 16-262e (Utility service and tenant rights)

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations