Connecticut Landlords’ Responsibilities: Heat and Hot Water

Connecticut law sets clear rules for landlords when it comes to providing heat and hot water to renters. If your rental unit does not meet these requirements, you have the right to request repairs—and take further steps if your landlord fails to respond. This article explains what landlords must provide, how to address problems, and what resources are available if your rights are not upheld in Connecticut.

Heat and Hot Water: What Connecticut Law Requires

Under Connecticut law, landlords are required to maintain rental units in a safe and habitable condition. This includes ensuring adequate heat and hot water are available to all tenants. These requirements apply whether you rent an apartment, a house, or another type of dwelling.

Heat Requirements

• Heating Season: Landlords must provide heat from September 1 through May 31 each year.
• Temperature: During this period, the rental must remain at least 65°F at all times and at least 68°F from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., unless the rental agreement states otherwise.
• Landlords must also maintain all heating equipment in good, safe working order.

These regulations are detailed in Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-7, which sets habitability standards and landlord obligations.^[1]

Hot Water Requirements

• Landlords must supply a reasonable amount of hot water at all times.
• The plumbing must be kept in good working order and properly maintained.

Hot water requirements are also included in the state's landlord-tenant law and local housing codes.

What If Your Landlord Fails to Provide Heat or Hot Water?

If your landlord does not fix an issue with heat or hot water after reasonable notice, you have several legal options to protect your rights as a renter:

• Notify your landlord in writing about the issue, keeping a copy for your records.
• If the problem is not resolved, you may file a complaint with your local health or housing code enforcement offices.
• The court system, specifically the Connecticut Superior Court - Housing Session, can handle disputes between renters and landlords regarding heat and hot water issues.^[2]

If you have no heat or hot water, call your landlord and follow up with a written request. If it is not fixed, contact your local code enforcement or file a complaint using official Connecticut forms (see below).

Official Forms to Protect Your Rights

• Connecticut Judicial Branch - Housing Complaint Form JD-HM-21: Use this form to start a case in housing court if repairs or services (such as heat or hot water) are not provided as required. For example, if your landlord ignores your request and you remain without heat, you may file form JD-HM-21 (Housing Session, Civil Complaint) with the clerk's office. This allows the court to order repairs, reduction in rent, or damages.^[3]
• Complaint with Local Health Department: Many Connecticut towns and cities let tenants file formal complaints if there is no heat or hot water. Check your municipality’s website or visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health's Local Code Enforcement page for local contact info.^[4]

How to File a Complaint if You Don't Have Heat or Hot Water

If your landlord does not resolve a heat or hot water issue after your request:

• Contact your local health or housing code enforcement office—many offer online or phone complaint options (find your local inspector).
• Prepare documentation (notices sent to your landlord, photos, notes on when the service failed).
• If the health department confirms the problem, they can order the landlord to make repairs.
• If you still do not get results, file Housing Complaint Form JD-HM-21 with the Housing Session of the Connecticut Superior Court.

Documentation and following procedure will strengthen your case.

Connecticut’s Tenant Laws on Heat and Hot Water

The rules about heat and hot water are set by the Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 832 - Landlord and Tenant. The statutes guarantee certain rights to renters related to habitability and essential services.

FAQ: Connecticut Renters and Heat & Hot Water

1. When is my landlord required to provide heat in Connecticut?
   Landlords must supply heat from September 1 through May 31, keeping the apartment at legally required temperatures—even if outside temperatures are mild.
2. Can I withhold rent if I don’t have heat or hot water?
   No, you should not withhold rent. Instead, use the official complaint process and court forms. The court may allow rent abatement or repairs, but self-help is risky and not legal in Connecticut.
3. What if my landlord doesn’t fix the problem after I file a complaint?
   You can take your landlord to housing court using Form JD-HM-21. If the court finds your landlord violated the law, it can order repairs or monetary penalties.
4. Are there temperature standards for hot water?
   While state law requires "reasonable" hot water, local housing codes may specify minimum temperatures—contact your city or town code enforcement for details.
5. Who enforces these requirements in Connecticut?
   Local health/housing code officials and, if needed, the Connecticut Superior Court Housing Session enforce heat and hot water rules.

Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

• Landlords must provide reliable heat (September–May) and hot water.
• If problems occur, notify your landlord, then contact code enforcement or file an official housing complaint if not timely fixed.
• You are protected by state law—don’t hesitate to seek help from local officials or the Housing Session court.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Superior Court - Housing Session (handles disputes, complaints, and provides official forms)
• Local Code Enforcement Directory (for city/town health departments)
• Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832 (official legislation on landlord and tenant rights)
• Connecticut Legal Aid - Housing (free legal guidance for Connecticut renters)

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1. Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-7 – Landlord’s responsibilities: Read the statute
2. Connecticut Superior Court - Housing Session information: Housing Session FAQs
3. Connecticut Judicial Branch, Housing Forms: JD-HM-21 Housing Complaint Form
4. Local code complaint contacts: Find your local enforcement official

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