Connecticut Renters’ Emergency Rights During Storms & Floods

Severe weather events like storms and floods can disrupt life for Connecticut renters. Knowing your emergency rights is crucial to staying safe, protecting your home, and making sure landlords uphold their responsibilities. This guide explains what Connecticut renters should expect before, during, and after storms and floods, including landlord obligations and how to get help if your rental becomes unsafe.

Understanding Renter Protections in Severe Weather

Connecticut protects tenants when natural disasters such as hurricanes, nor’easters, or floods affect rental housing. State law and government agencies provide a safety net for renters during these emergencies.

Landlord Responsibilities During Storms and Floods

• Essential Repairs: Landlords must keep rental units “fit and habitable.” This means repairing significant damage to heat, water, plumbing, or electricity after a storm or flood.
• Timely Restoration: Major repairs must be handled as soon as it's safe and possible. Delays can violate your rights.
• Emergency Contacts: Landlords should provide emergency contact info for urgent repairs.
• Right to Safe Premises: You have the right to a home that’s safe, free from serious health hazards like mold or structural issues caused by storms.

Connecticut's main law protecting renters is the Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832 - Landlord and Tenant.^[1] Official tenant complaints and disputes are handled by the Connecticut Housing Session of Superior Court.^[2]

If Your Rental Becomes Uninhabitable

If storm or flood damage makes your apartment unsafe (for example, no heat in winter or severe flooding), you have several possible actions under state law:

• Withholding Rent: In some cases, you may withhold rent if repairs are not made within a reasonable time, but you must follow specific legal steps. This often requires applying to the Housing Session of Superior Court first.
• Relocation Assistance: If the apartment is condemned by officials, you may qualify for local relocation help.
• Termination Rights: If the landlord cannot or will not make the unit habitable promptly, you may have the right to end your lease with proper notice.

Important Forms and How to Use Them

• Complaint (Housing/Code Enforcement):
  
  • Name/Number: Connecticut does not require a numbered statewide form but uses municipal code complaint forms and the housing complaint system.
    When/How: Use if your landlord refuses emergency repairs; file with your city or town code enforcement. Example: If flood water causes mold and your landlord ignores your request, submit a local health department complaint for inspection.
• Application for Rent to be Paid into Court (Connecticut Judicial Branch - JD-HM-15):
  
  • Name/Number: Application for Deposit of Rent with Court (JD-HM-15)
  • When/How: Use if major storm or flood repairs are not done—this lets you pay your rent into an escrow account with the court until repairs are completed. Example: Power or heat-down after a hurricane and no action from landlord. Download the Application for Rent to be Paid Into Court – JD-HM-15 (PDF) and file with Housing Session.^[3]

What If You Need to Leave? Understanding Lease Termination

If your home is uninhabitable for an extended period due to storm or flood damage, you may have the right to give written notice and end your lease early per CGS § 47a-12. Always send notice in writing (email, letter, or required form). For step-by-step guidance, see the 'How To' section below.

Temporary Displacement and Relocation Programs

Sometimes local health or housing departments will condemn units after severe weather. If this happens:

• Municipal relocation assistance may be available. Contact your town’s housing authority or Department of Housing Disaster Resources.
• If a formal order is issued, you may qualify for temporary housing or state emergency assistance programs.

Most programs require an official notice from code enforcement or public health. Apply as soon as you receive written notice your unit is unsafe.

Summary of Emergency Steps for Connecticut Renters

• Contact your landlord right away if your rental is damaged
• Request repairs clearly and in writing
• Report code or health hazards to your local authorities if needed
• Apply to the Housing Session if you need to withhold rent
• Keep thorough records of all correspondence and damage

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord evict me if I vacate temporarily after a major storm?
   No, your landlord cannot evict you solely for leaving a damaged unit while it’s unsafe, especially if the property is officially deemed uninhabitable. Document your reasons and maintain communication about your return.
2. Am I responsible for repairs to my apartment after a flood?
   No, landlords are responsible for repairs due to natural disasters unless the damage was caused by tenant negligence. Always notify your landlord in writing and request repairs as soon as possible.
3. What should I do if repairs are not made promptly after I report damage?
   You can contact local code enforcement, file a health or housing complaint, and if necessary, apply to the Housing Session to pay rent into court until repairs are completed.
4. How can I get emergency housing if my unit is condemned?
   Check with your municipal relocation or housing authority, and visit the Connecticut Department of Housing Disaster Resources for official guidance on temporary assistance.
5. Is there a deadline to inform my landlord if I want to break my lease because my apartment is unsafe?
   Yes. Generally, you must provide at least 14 days’ written notice per state law. Always keep proof of the notice.

Need Help? Resources for Connecticut Renters

• Connecticut Housing Session of Superior Court – For legal disputes or filing court forms
• Connecticut Department of Housing – Emergency resources and disaster response
• Connecticut Local Health Departments – Report unsafe housing and code concerns
• Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832 – Landlord and Tenant Law
• Connecticut Fair Housing Center – Legal information and renter advocacy

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1. Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832 – Landlord and Tenant
2. Connecticut Housing Session of Superior Court
3. Application for Rent to be Paid Into Court – JD-HM-15 (PDF)

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