Connecticut Lease Disclosure Requirements for Renters

Renting a home in Connecticut comes with important rights—and responsibilities. One key aspect is knowing which disclosures landlords must provide before and during your tenancy. These disclosures help ensure your health, safety, and legal protection.

What Are Required Lease Disclosures in Connecticut?

Connecticut law mandates that landlords provide renters with specific written information—called disclosures—when entering into a new lease, renewing an agreement, or sometimes even during the lease term. These are designed to keep renters safe and well-informed about their homes.

Mandatory Disclosures in Connecticut Residential Leases

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for properties built before 1978): Federal law requires landlords to provide renters with a lead hazard information pamphlet and disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards. Learn more from the CT Department of Public Health.
• Owner or Agent Identity: You must be given the names and addresses of the property owner and anyone authorized to manage the property or receive legal notices.
• Shared Utilities Disclosure: If you are responsible for shared utilities (like water or heat for multiple apartments), the lease must disclose how charges are divided and who is responsible for payments. See Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-3a.
• Security Deposit Receipt and Information: Landlords must give you a written receipt for any security deposit and notify you of the account location where your deposit is held.
• Bed Bug Infestation Disclosure: At or before lease signing, the landlord must provide a notice about bed bug policies and procedures, and disclose any recent infestations. Details and sample notice are on the CT Department of Agriculture Bed Bug Information page.
• Notice of Fire Sprinkler System: Landlords of rental properties must disclose whether the dwelling unit has a fire sprinkler system, and if so, the last maintenance or inspection date (See §47a-3f).

Key Official Forms for Connecticut Renters

• EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (No. EPA 747-K-99-001)
  
  • When Used: Required for all rentals built before 1978. The landlord must give this form and the EPA pamphlet before lease signing.
  • How To Use: Review the disclosure carefully. Ask questions if anything is unclear. Access the lead disclosure form and pamphlet here.
• Security Deposit Receipt (no official CT form—see requirements)
  
  • When Used: Every time you pay a security deposit, the landlord must give you a written receipt.
  • How To Use: Keep the receipt for your records. The receipt must include the bank name and account location holding your deposit. See details in C.G.S. § 47a-21.
• Bed Bug Notice (Sample available from the Department of Agriculture)
  
  • When Used: Given before the lease is signed. Discloses past or ongoing bed bug infestations.
  • How To Use: Read the information provided for advice on what to do if you suspect bed bugs. View the official bed bug guidelines.

These forms help protect renters’ health and ensure transparency in the leasing process.

What Happens If Landlords Don’t Provide Required Disclosures?

If your landlord fails to provide you with required disclosures, such as the Lead Disclosure or security deposit information, they may face legal penalties—and your rights as a renter may be affected. For example, you could have grounds to break the lease or file a complaint if you discover unreported lead paint or unpaid utilities.

Reporting Non-Compliance

For serious or unresolved issues, renters can file complaints or seek mediation through the official state agency that handles landlord-tenant matters: the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).

• File a complaint online or call the DCP at 860-713-6100 for guidance
• For housing code or safety violations, contact your local health or housing department

Connecticut’s official tenancy laws are found in the Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 830: Landlord and Tenant, which govern all residential tenancies in the state.

FAQ: Connecticut Lease Disclosures & Renter Rights

1. What disclosures am I entitled to before signing a lease in Connecticut?
   Landlords must give you lead-based paint information (if the building is from before 1978), the names/addresses of owners and property managers, a security deposit receipt, info about shared utilities, and a bed bug notice.
2. Is my landlord required to tell me about previous bed bug infestations?
   Yes. Connecticut law requires landlords to disclose any past or present bed bug infestations before you sign the lease, along with information on handling an outbreak.
3. What if I never got a lead paint disclosure and my rental is old?
   This is a violation of both state and federal law. You can request the form in writing and, if necessary, contact the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection for further help.
4. Do I have to sign any of these disclosure forms?
   Yes. For the lead-based paint notice, federal law requires both landlord and tenant signatures before renting properties built before 1978.
5. Where can I check if my security deposit is properly held?
   Your landlord should provide the bank name and location, listed on your security deposit receipt. If unsure, request this information in writing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection – Oversees landlord-tenant concerns and offers complaint filing (Phone: 860-713-6100)
• Connecticut Department of Housing – General renter resources and support
• CT Department of Agriculture: Bed Bug Resources
• Legal aid support: Connecticut Legal Aid – Free legal information for renters

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1. See Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 830: Landlord and Tenant for all mandatory rental disclosures and tenant protections.
2. CT Department of Public Health: Lead Poisoning Prevention
3. Connecticut Bed Bug Disclosure details
4. EPA Disclosure Rule for Lead-Based Paint
5. Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP)

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