Connecticut Landlord Disclosures: What Tenants Must Receive

Before you move into a new rental home in Connecticut, it’s important to know what information your landlord must give you by law. This helps make sure there are no surprises when you get your keys, protects your rights, and ensures a safer living experience. This guide covers the essential landlord disclosures that must be provided to tenants before move-in, key forms, and where to get help if you think your rights have not been respected.

What Landlords Must Disclose Before You Move In

Connecticut law requires landlords to give renters certain disclosures and information before a lease begins. These are designed to make sure both parties understand the rental agreement and the property’s condition.

1. Landlord Identity & Contact Information

• Disclosure: Landlords must give the name, address, and phone number of the property owner or their agent.
• Why it matters: So you know who to contact for repairs, emergencies, or legal issues.

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2. Security Deposit Details

• Disclosure: The amount of the security deposit, where it will be held (bank name/location), and that it will earn interest. Connecticut law limits most security deposits to two months’ rent (one month if you’re age 62 or older).
• Reference: See official security deposit requirements.

3. Notice of Fire Sprinkler System

• Disclosure: Written statement disclosing whether the property has a fire sprinkler system, and if so, its maintenance status. This must be part of the written lease agreement.
• Form Example: There is no designated state form number. The disclosure can be included as specific language within your lease, such as: “This property is / is not equipped with an operative fire sprinkler system.”
• Reference: Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 47a-3f

4. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (For Buildings Built Before 1978)

• Disclosure: For any property built before 1978, you must receive a federally required "Lead Warning Statement" and a copy of the EPA’s "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" pamphlet.
• Official Form: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (no CT-specific number; federal requirement).
• When to use: The landlord must provide this form and the pamphlet before you sign the lease for an older building.
• How it affects you: Protects your health and your family by notifying you about potential lead risks.

5. Notice of Pending Foreclosure

• Disclosure: If the landlord has received notice of foreclosure on the property, they must inform you in writing before accepting any rent or deposit.
• Reference: See Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 47a-3e.

6. Written Copy of Lease or Rental Agreement

• Disclosure: After you sign a lease, you must receive a written copy. If your rental is month-to-month, a written statement of the terms (like rent amount and due date) must be provided if requested.
• Reference: See Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 47a-6.

7. Outstanding Building or Housing Code Violations

• Disclosure: If there are any unresolved building or health code violations that could endanger safety or health, the landlord must notify you in writing before you move in.
• Reference: See the Connecticut Department of Housing for more information on rental safety and housing standards.

Connecticut’s Key Landlord-Tenant Law

The main law covering these rights is the Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 830 - Landlord and Tenant Act. This sets out the rules for required disclosures, repairs, evictions, deposits, and more. If you have a dispute, this is the legislation that applies.

Who Handles Disputes?

If you have a disagreement about move-in disclosures or rights as a tenant, cases are usually handled by your local court. For assistance or complaints, you may also contact the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH), which oversees rental housing laws and resources.

How to Check Landlord Disclosures Before Move-In

Making sure all required information is provided protects you before you commit to a rental. Here’s a practical checklist:

• Ask for all disclosures in writing before you pay any deposit or sign a lease.
• Read the lease carefully—look for details about fire sprinklers, lead paint, security deposits, and landlord contact info.
• Request copies of any building/code violation notices, especially in older properties.
• Confirm with your landlord that the security deposit is held according to law and will earn interest.
• If you have a concern, contact the Connecticut Department of Housing or your local housing code office.

Double-checking these disclosures at move-in helps prevent misunderstandings later about repairs, deposits, or safety issues.

FAQ: Required Disclosures for Connecticut Tenants

1. Do all Connecticut rentals require a fire sprinkler system disclosure?
   Yes. Every written lease must state whether a fire sprinkler system is present and if it is maintained—even if there is no system.
2. Is my landlord required to notify me of health or building code violations?
   Yes. Landlords must tell tenants about unresolved violations that could endanger health or safety before you move in.
3. What if my landlord didn’t provide a lead paint disclosure for an older building?
   This violates federal and state law. You can report it to the Connecticut Department of Housing or the EPA for assistance.
4. Where can I find Connecticut’s main landlord-tenant law?
   It’s in the Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 830, available online.
5. Can I receive a copy of my signed lease?
   Yes. By law, the landlord must give you a written copy of your signed lease or, if there’s no lease, a written statement of terms if you request it.

Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

Here’s a quick summary to remember:

• Landlords in Connecticut must give you clear disclosures about safety, deposits, lease terms, and lead paint before you move in.
• Always ask for these details in writing and keep copies for your records.
• If disclosures are missing, contact the Connecticut Department of Housing or your local court for help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Department of Housing – Information on tenant rights, complaints, housing code enforcement, and rental help.
• Connecticut Judicial Branch – Small Claims Division – For rental disputes about deposits and lease terms.
• Connecticut Fair Housing Center – Free legal information for tenants, focusing on discrimination and other tenant rights.
• Official CT Landlord-Tenant Guide (Department of Consumer Protection) – Up-to-date state guides and contacts.

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1. Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 830 (Landlord and Tenant Act)
2. Connecticut Department of Housing – Rental Housing Laws
3. U.S. EPA – Lead Disclosure Requirements
4. Landlord-Tenant Security Deposit Rules (CT DCP)
5. Connecticut Fair Housing Center

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