How quickly must a landlord fix no heat or hot water in Connecticut?

Landlords must address loss of heat, hot water, or other essential services within 24 hours after being notified by the renter.

Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn't fix things?

Renters should not withhold rent on their own. Instead, they should use official complaint forms or file in Housing Session court if repairs are not made.

Who do I contact if my landlord ignores needed repairs?

First, notify your landlord in writing. If there is no response, contact your local building, health, or code enforcement office for an inspection.

What official forms are used for repair issues in Connecticut?

Use your local Housing Code Complaint Form for reporting violations and the Rent Receivership Complaint (JD-HM-20) to file in Housing Session court.

What is the Housing Session of the Connecticut Superior Court?

It is the designated court in Connecticut for handling landlord-tenant disputes, including repair and maintenance complaints.

Connecticut Landlord Repair Timelines: What Renters Should Know

Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Connecticut published: June 21, 2025

If you rent a home or apartment in Connecticut, you have the right to a safe, livable, and well-maintained property. But what should you do if things break, and how long must your landlord take to make repairs? Understanding Connecticut law can help you act quickly if issues aren’t being handled.

Connecticut Landlord Repair Responsibilities

Connecticut law requires landlords to keep rental units in safe and healthy condition. This means repairing essentials like heat, water, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as maintaining common areas and addressing infestations.^[1] The law applies to all residential leases—written or verbal.

Legal Timeline for Repairs

The timeframe a landlord has to make repairs depends on how severe the problem is:

Urgent Repairs (health or safety hazards): Within 24 hours of being notified—for example, no heat in winter, no running water, or hazardous electrical issues.
Serious Repairs (affecting basic services): Landlords must act “as soon as possible”—Connecticut courts commonly expect repairs within 3-5 days depending on the issue.
Non-Urgent Repairs: Should be addressed within a “reasonable time,” typically interpreted as no more than 15-30 days.

If your landlord does not take action in these timeframes after receiving written notice, you may have legal options.

What Should Renters Do If Repairs Aren’t Made?

If your landlord isn’t fixing problems, you have the right to:

Send written notice describing the needed repairs and keep a copy.
If urgent, contact your local building or health department for an inspection. You can find your local housing code enforcement office through the Connecticut Department of Housing.
As a last resort, take your landlord to court using the Rent Receivership process (see below).

Key Official Forms for Connecticut Renters

Complaint Form—Housing Code Violation
When your landlord hasn’t repaired a serious problem, you can file a complaint with your town or city’s housing or health department. Each town may have their own form; for example, New Haven provides a Housing Code Complaint Form. Typically, you’ll describe the issue, your landlord’s response, and attach photos if possible.
Scenario: If there’s no heat and the landlord won’t respond, fill out and submit this form to start an inspection.
Rent Receivership Complaint (JD-HM-20)
If repairs still aren’t made, you can ask the court to appoint a receiver to collect your rent and make repairs. Use the official Rent Receivership Complaint (JD-HM-20) form.
Scenario: You have sent written notice, waited, and reported the issue—still, nothing changes. File this complaint at your local Housing Session court.

Connecticut Residential Tenancy Tribunal

The main tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes, including repair issues, is the Connecticut Superior Court – Housing Session. This court hears cases about habitability, rent abatements, and other rental disagreements.

Connecticut Rental Legislation

Connecticut’s rental law is called the Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) Chapter 832 – Landlord and Tenant. See Section 47a-7 for landlord repair duties and timelines.

Tip: Always document your repair requests in writing, with dates and photos if possible. If you need to take legal action, this proof is crucial.

Steps for Connecticut Renters: Addressing Repairs

1. Notify Your Landlord in Writing: Describe the issue and give reasonable time for a response. Keep a copy for your records.
2. Contact Local Inspectors: If no action is taken, contact your local building, health, or code enforcement office for an inspection and file a complaint form.
3. File in Housing Court: If problems continue, complete the JD-HM-20 Rent Receivership Complaint and file it at the Housing Session of Superior Court.

Keeping these steps in mind helps you assert your right to a habitable home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly must a landlord fix no heat or hot water in Connecticut?
Connecticut law expects landlords to address loss of heat, hot water, or other essential services within 24 hours after being notified. If not, renters should contact their local health or housing department.
Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn't fix things?
No, Connecticut renters should not withhold rent on their own, as this can lead to eviction. Instead, follow legal steps like contacting inspectors or filing a complaint in Housing Session court.
Who do I call if my landlord is ignoring repairs?
Start by notifying your landlord in writing. If there’s no response, reach out to your city or town’s building, health, or code enforcement office for an official inspection.
What official forms help if repairs aren’t made?
Use your local town’s Housing Code Complaint Form to report violations. If issues continue, use the Rent Receivership Complaint (JD-HM-20) to file in Housing Court.
What is the Housing Session of the Connecticut Superior Court?
This is the official court handling residential landlord-tenant disputes—including repairs, evictions, and rent issues—across major Connecticut cities.

Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

Landlords must respond quickly to urgent and serious repairs, usually within 1-5 days.
Always notify landlords in writing and keep good records of your requests.
If issues aren’t resolved, use official complaint forms or file with the Housing Session of the Superior Court.

Staying proactive and informed helps Connecticut renters maintain safe and livable homes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Connecticut Superior Court – Housing Session: Handles tenant repair complaints and disputes.
Connecticut Department of Housing: Find statewide resources and local housing authorities.
Connecticut Landlord and Tenant Legislation (C.G.S. Chapter 832): Review full legal duties and rights.
For local complaint forms and inspections, contact your town or city’s building or health department—find links on your municipality’s official website.