Can Connecticut Landlords Charge Renters for Trash and Recycling?

If you're renting a home or apartment in Connecticut, it's important to understand your rights regarding utility charges—especially for essential services like trash and recycling. Renters may be surprised to see fees for these services on their monthly bills, so knowing what is legal helps you avoid unexpected costs.

Are Landlords Allowed to Charge for Trash and Recycling?

In Connecticut, state law requires landlords to provide and maintain essential utilities, but rules for trash and recycling charges aren't always straightforward. Under the Connecticut Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords must keep rental properties "fit and habitable," which can include waste removal in many cases.^[1]

What Does the Law Say?

The law does not prohibit landlords from charging renters for trash and recycling—but any such charges must be clearly stated in your written lease before you sign. Landlords:

• Must disclose all fees for services like trash and recycling in your lease.
• Cannot add or increase these charges during your lease term without your written consent.
• May include trash and recycling as part of your rent or as a separate monthly fee.
• Are generally responsible for arranging trash service for multi-unit buildings. For single-family rentals, responsibilities may be negotiable.

If your lease is silent (says nothing) about who pays for trash and recycling, it may be the landlord’s responsibility by default.

Working with Your Written Lease

Always review your lease agreement carefully:

• If trash and recycling charges appear in the lease, you are likely responsible for those bills.
• If there is no mention of trash in the lease, ask your landlord to clarify in writing.
• Refuse to pay new or increased fees unless you agree and sign an updated lease or addendum.

What to Do If You Dispute a Trash or Recycling Charge

If you believe you are being unfairly charged or your landlord is not following Connecticut law, your first step is to speak or write to your landlord to clarify the fee.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Connecticut Complaint Form – Landlord/Tenant
  Use this form to file a complaint if you believe a landlord is improperly charging you for utilities, including trash and recycling.
  Submit a complaint online at the CT Department of Consumer Protection.
• Fair Rent Commission Complaint Form (varies by town)
  If your town has a Fair Rent Commission and you believe charges are unreasonable, use your local commission's form. For example, see New Haven’s Fair Rent Commission page.

Which Official Tribunal or Board Handles Tenant Disputes?

Connecticut disputes over unfair utility charges—including trash and recycling—are ultimately addressed by your local court, but you can typically start by contacting:

• Connecticut Superior Court – Housing Session: Handles residential landlord-tenant matters.
• Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection: Offers guidance and complaint processing.

Local Fair Rent Commissions (in cities like Hartford, Stamford, or New Haven) provide additional help for disputes about unreasonable fees or rent increases.

Quick Summary: Key Points for Connecticut Renters

• Trash and recycling fees must be clearly stated in your lease.
• Landlords can't add charges mid-lease unless you agree in writing.
• If the lease is silent, responsibility for payment may default to the landlord—especially in multi-unit housing.
• If you have a dispute, file a formal complaint with the Department of Consumer Protection or your Fair Rent Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord start charging me for trash even if it wasn't in my original lease?
   No, Connecticut landlords cannot add new trash or recycling charges in the middle of a lease term unless you agree in writing.
2. What if my lease doesn't mention trash or recycling?
   In most cases, if your lease says nothing, the landlord is responsible for arranging and paying for trash and recycling, particularly in multi-unit buildings.
3. Does my landlord have to prove the actual cost of trash service?
   While the law requires transparency, landlords do not always need to show bills—but any separate charges must be reasonable and outlined in your lease.
4. How do I file a complaint if I'm overcharged?
   You can submit a complaint through the Department of Consumer Protection or contact your local Fair Rent Commission.
5. Who enforces tenant and landlord rights in Connecticut?
   The Superior Court Housing Session oversees landlord-tenant issues, and the Department of Consumer Protection provides guidance and complaint help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Judicial Branch – Housing Session: Legal help and information on housing disputes
• Department of Consumer Protection – Landlord/Tenant Resources: File complaints or get mediation advice
• Connecticut Fair Housing Center: Free advice on rental rights (nonprofit, but often referenced by state officials)
• Connecticut Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 830): Full state legislation

---

1. Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 830, Section 47a, Landlord and Tenant Legislation
2. CT Department of Consumer Protection: Landlord/Tenant
3. CT Judicial Branch: Housing Session

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