Connecticut Utility Shutoff Protections for Renters

Worried about your utilities being disconnected in Connecticut? Understanding your rights as a renter is essential when it comes to preventing or handling a utility shutoff. Whether your name is on the bill or your landlord controls the account, Connecticut renters have legal protections that help keep essential services like electricity, gas, and water running. This guide covers what protections exist, how you can act quickly, and where to get help if you’re facing a utility shutoff.

Understanding Utility Shutoff Protections for Tenants in Connecticut

The state of Connecticut provides several safeguards to help renters keep essential utilities, especially during hardship or dispute with a landlord. These protections are established under Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 830 – Landlord and Tenant and enforced by various state agencies. If you face a shutoff threat or service has already been stopped, you may have options to restore or prevent disconnection.

Key Utility Shutoff Protections for Connecticut Renters

• No Utility Shutoff Without Proper Notice: Utility companies must give you at least 13 days’ written notice before shutting off residential electric, gas, or water service for non-payment. The notice will list the date of shutoff and explain your rights.
• Special Protections for Medical Hardship: If you or anyone in your home has a serious illness, you may qualify for a temporary shutoff postponement with a doctor’s certification. Utilities must continue service after submission.
• Winter Moratorium: From November 1 to May 1, eligible low-income households are protected from electric and gas shutoffs under the state’s winter moratorium.
• Protection for Tenants Not Responsible for Utility Bills: If your landlord is responsible for paying utilities but fails to do so, you have the right to continue or restore service in your name without paying the landlord’s debt.
• Tenants’ Right to Notice When Landlord Fails to Pay: Utility companies must notify tenants at least 13 days before excess nonpayment results in a shutoff—giving you time to take action.

These protections can mean the difference between facing a sudden loss of heat or power and having time and resources to get help. Make sure to read any utility notices carefully and take action quickly if you receive one.

Official Forms for Connecticut Utility Shutoff Protection

• Medical Hardship Certification Form
  When to Use: If someone in your household has a serious illness or life-threatening health condition, your healthcare provider can fill out this form so your electric, gas, or water provider must postpone disconnection. For example, a tenant with a dependent requiring medical equipment would submit this form through their doctor to their utility company.
  Medical Certification Form (CT Department of Social Services)
• Tenant Service Continuation Request
  When to Use: If your landlord fails to pay the building’s utility bill and you receive a shutoff notice, you can request to take over the account and maintain service without having to pay what your landlord owes. For example, tenants in a multi-unit apartment who get a shutoff notice because the landlord stopped paying can use this form to put utility service in their own names.
  Tenant Notification & Customer Service Continuation Form (for Water Utilities)

Always use official forms and submit them directly to your utility provider and, if necessary, to the Department of Public Utility Control.

Filing a Utility Complaint in Connecticut

If you believe a utility provider or landlord has wrongfully disconnected service or failed to provide required notice, renters can file a formal complaint with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), the state’s residential utility tribunal. PURA reviews and investigates utility complaints, provides mediation, and can order the restoration of service.

How to File a Utility Complaint

• Gather documents (shutoff notices, correspondence, medical certifications, your rental agreement).
• Contact your utility provider first to attempt a resolution.
• If not resolved, submit a complaint using PURA’s online or printable form: PURA Utility Complaint Process.
• Follow up with PURA for updates and maintain records of your submissions.

PURA offers support by phone or email to guide renters through the complaint process.

What Rights Do Renters Have if the Landlord Controls the Utilities?

If your landlord is responsible for paying utilities for your unit and service is shut off (or threatened) because of nonpayment, state law lets you:

• Request to take over utility service in your own name without being required to pay the landlord’s past debt
• Withhold some rent or pay utilities and deduct the cost from rent in certain situations (consult PURA or legal aid first)

Connecticut General Statutes Section 47a-13 protects these rights. Always communicate with your utility company and keep proof of any action you take.

Staying Protected: Additional Tips for Connecticut Tenants

• Open all mail from utilities and respond to shutoff notices immediately
• Apply for state payment assistance programs if you are behind on bills (see resources below)
• Document all communication with your landlord and service providers
• Contact PURA or local legal aid if your rights are not respected

Protecting your access to heat, water, and electricity is a right, not a luxury, under Connecticut law.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my utilities be shut off in the winter in Connecticut?
   Most low-income households and those qualifying for hardship protection cannot have their electric or gas shut off between November 1 and May 1.
2. What can I do if my landlord doesn’t pay the utility bill?
   You can apply to have the utility account put directly in your name to continue service without paying your landlord’s past balance.
3. How do I stop a shutoff if someone is seriously ill in my home?
   Submit a Medical Certification Form signed by your healthcare provider to your utility company for a temporary postponement.
4. Can I file a complaint if my rights are violated?
   Yes, you can file a complaint with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for investigation and help.
5. Are there forms I need to fill out to protect my utilities?
   Yes, official forms like the Medical Certification Form or a Tenant Notification Form help document your hardship or right to maintain service.

Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

• Renters have strong protections against utility shutoff, especially during hardship or when the landlord is at fault
• Official forms and early action can stop a shutoff or restore service
• PURA is the official state board where you can get help if your utility rights are violated

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) – File a complaint, get regulatory information, or ask for help
• Connecticut Department of Social Services – Apply for payment assistance, medical hardship forms, and winter moratorium programs
• Connecticut Judicial Branch – Landlord/Tenant FAQs – Court guidance for tenant protections
• Connecticut Fair Housing Center – Advocacy and legal support for renters in dispute

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1. Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 830 – Landlord and Tenant
2. Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority
3. Section 47a-13 – Landlord's failure to supply essential services
4. Medical Certification Form (DSS)
5. Tenant Notification Form (DPH)

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