Lease Renewal Rights for Renters in Connecticut

If you rent an apartment or house in Connecticut, you may wonder whether your landlord can refuse to renew your lease—especially when your lease term is ending. Knowing your legal rights is crucial if you're concerned about housing stability or facing a nonrenewal notice in Connecticut.

Can a Landlord Refuse to Renew a Lease in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a landlord can generally choose not to renew a fixed-term lease once it expires, as long as they follow certain legal requirements. However, landlords cannot refuse to renew for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. State law protects renters against nonrenewal due to race, religion, national origin, disability, familial status, or because you exercised tenant rights (like asking for repairs)¹.

Notice Requirements for Nonrenewal

If your landlord decides not to renew your lease, they must usually provide a written notice before your lease ends. The timing depends on the type of lease:

• Fixed-term lease: No formal notice is required unless your lease says otherwise, but courtesy notice is common.
• Month-to-month lease: Landlords must give at least 3 full days’ written notice to end the tenancy².

Always check your lease for any more specific provisions about renewal or termination notice.

When Is Nonrenewal Not Allowed?

• Discrimination: Landlords cannot refuse to renew due to your protected class (such as race, religion, or disability). This is covered by both federal law and Connecticut's Fair Housing Laws.
• Retaliation: If a landlord doesn't renew your lease because you complained about repairs, joined a tenant organization, or reported housing violations, this is illegal under Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-20.
• Local ordinances: Some cities in Connecticut may have additional protections for tenants regarding nonrenewals. Always check your local housing authority.

If you suspect your lease wasn't renewed for one of these unlawful reasons, you may have the right to file a complaint or seek legal advice.

Official Forms Renters Should Know

• Notice to Quit (Form JD-HM-7): If your landlord is ending your tenancy (for example, after nonrenewal of a month-to-month lease), they must serve a "Notice to Quit Possession." You can see the official form and instructions on the Connecticut Judicial Branch website.
  
  Example: Your month-to-month rental is not renewed, and you are served with a Notice to Quit giving you at least 3 days to move out.
• Summary Process (Eviction) Complaint (JD-HM-8): If you don't leave after receiving a Notice to Quit, your landlord must file this eviction complaint with the court. You can review the form and process on the official court site.
  
  Example: After a nonrenewal, you do not vacate by the stated date; the landlord files this complaint to begin eviction proceedings.

What Tribunal Handles Tenancy Disputes in Connecticut?

Residential tenancy disputes in Connecticut are handled by the Connecticut Superior Court, Housing Session. This court deals with summary process (eviction) cases, including those related to nonrenewal of lease and tenant rights.

What Can You Do If Your Lease Isn’t Renewed?

If your lease ends and you receive notice of nonrenewal, consider these actions:

• Review any written notice and your lease carefully.
• If you believe the nonrenewal is illegal (discriminatory or retaliatory), contact the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities or seek legal help.
• If you wish to stay, communicate with your landlord in writing about possible lease renewal or other options.

How to Respond to a Notice to Quit

• Read the notice carefully to understand the timeline.
• Plan your move or seek legal help if you believe the notice is unlawful.
• If you stay past the notice date, you may face a formal eviction filing in Housing Court.

FAQ: Lease Renewal and Nonrenewal in Connecticut

1. Can my landlord refuse to renew my lease without giving a reason?
   Yes, unless the refusal is for a discriminatory or retaliatory reason. Connecticut law does not require landlords to give a specific reason for nonrenewal at the end of a fixed-term lease.
2. What notice does my landlord need to give for nonrenewal?
   For fixed-term leases, typically no advance notice is required unless specified by the lease. For month-to-month tenancies, at least 3 days’ written notice is needed.
3. What should I do if I think my lease was not renewed unfairly?
   Gather documentation and contact the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities or seek legal help to challenge the nonrenewal.
4. Am I entitled to stay after my lease ends?
   No, unless your landlord accepts rent after the expiration (which could convert your tenancy to month-to-month). Otherwise, you must move out or face potential eviction.
5. Is my landlord required to offer me a lease renewal?
   No, Connecticut law doesn't require landlords to renew leases unless the lease itself says so, or unless nonrenewal is prohibited by law (e.g., discrimination).

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Judicial Branch – Housing Session: For summary process (eviction) case information and tenant rights.
• Connecticut Department of Housing: State resources and support for renters.
• Connecticut Legal Aid – Housing Self-Help Guides: Plain-language legal information for tenants.
• Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO): File a housing discrimination complaint.

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1. Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 831: Landlord and Tenant, including tenancy laws
2. Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-23: Notice to Quit Possession

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