Connecticut Occupancy Limits: Rules & Overcrowding Laws for Renters

As a Connecticut renter, it's important to know how many people can legally live in a rental unit. Overcrowding isn't just uncomfortable — it also impacts your health, safety, and legal standing as a tenant. This guide explains Connecticut's occupancy limits, state and local housing codes, and what renters need to do if they believe their home is overcrowded or in violation of the law.

Understanding Occupancy Limits in Connecticut Rentals

In Connecticut, occupancy limits are set to protect the health and safety of residents. These limits are primarily governed by statewide housing and building codes, but local cities and towns may also have their own specific rules.

• State Law: Connecticut’s State Housing Code sets minimum living space and maximum occupancy rules for rental units.^[1]
• Federal Law: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers general guidance — the “two plus one” rule (two people per bedroom, plus one additional person per unit) — but local codes may override this.
• Local Ordinances: Your city or town may have stricter or more detailed occupancy limits. Always check with your local housing office.

As a rule of thumb, each rental unit must provide at least 150 square feet of habitable room for the first occupant and 100 square feet for each additional occupant. Bedrooms used for sleeping must also meet minimum sizes.^[1]

How to Check If Your Rental Is Overcrowded

Determining if your apartment or house is overcrowded depends on the number of people, the unit’s size, and whether it meets Connecticut's building code requirements. Key factors:

• Number of bedrooms and their sizes
• Total number of residents (adults and children counted)
• Other spaces used for sleeping (converted living rooms, etc.)

Examples of Typical Occupancy Rules

• In a one-bedroom apartment, usually no more than three people (including children).
• Each bedroom must generally serve no more than two people.
• When in doubt, local health or building officials can clarify the rules for your address.

Relevant Connecticut Forms for Renters

• Complaint Form – Unsanitary or Overcrowded Conditions
  Form: Local Health Department Complaint Form
  How it's used: Used when renters want to report suspected overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, or violations of state housing codes.
  Practical example: If your landlord adds more roommates than allowed or divides rooms to add beds, you may fill out this form with your local health department, such as the Connecticut Local Health Department.
• Connecticut Judicial Branch – Housing Session Forms
  Form: Housing Code Violation Complaint (No standard statewide form number; varies by court/location)
  How it's used: Submit if your landlord refuses to fix hazardous overcrowding after a local complaint.
  Official Source: Connecticut Judicial Branch Forms

What to Do If Your Rental Is Overcrowded

Follow these steps if you have concerns about your apartment’s occupancy or believe your living space violates Connecticut housing laws:

• Check the square footage and occupancy chart in the State Housing Code.
• Talk to your landlord and ask them to address the violation.
• If unresolved, file a complaint with your local health department.
• If still unresolved, consider filing with the Connecticut Judicial Branch: Housing Session (the official tribunal handling tenancy matters in Connecticut).

Remember: Overcrowding can lead to health, fire, and safety issues, and may affect your rights as a tenant under the Connecticut Landlord and Tenant Act.^[2]

Connecticut Tenancy Legislation and Enforcement

The main law protecting Connecticut tenants is the Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832: Landlord and Tenant. State and local housing codes are enforced through the courts and local health departments.^[2]

FAQ: Renters and Overcrowding in Connecticut

1. Can my landlord limit the number of people living in my apartment?
   Yes. Landlords must follow Connecticut State Housing Code and any stricter local ordinances about occupancy. Limits are usually based on square footage and number of bedrooms.
2. Are children counted towards occupancy limits?
   Yes. Children count as occupants for the purpose of determining if a rental is overcrowded.
3. What should I do if my apartment is overcrowded but my landlord won't help?
   If your landlord refuses to fix an overcrowding issue, file a complaint with your local health department. If it's still not addressed, you can submit a Housing Code Violation Complaint to the Housing Session of Connecticut Superior Court.
4. Where can I find the official occupancy rules for my city or town?
   Contact your local code enforcement or health department. Many city and town websites post their specific occupancy ordinances online.
5. Can I be evicted for overcrowding?
   If your household exceeds legal occupancy limits, your landlord may have grounds to seek eviction under Connecticut law. Eviction must go through the legal process.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Connecticut uses state and local codes to set occupancy limits and prevent overcrowding in rentals
• If you believe your home is overcrowded, start by reviewing the codes and then contact your landlord or local health department for help
• The Connecticut Judicial Branch: Housing Session handles legal disputes involving occupancy and rental housing

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• State of Connecticut Housing Code – Department of Consumer Protection
• Connecticut Local Health Departments Directory – for local complaints
• Connecticut Judicial Branch: Housing Session – rental housing disputes and forms
• Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832 – Landlord and Tenant Act

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1. Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Connecticut State Housing Code
2. Connecticut General Assembly. Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832: Landlord and Tenant

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