Rent Escrow and Withholding Rent for Repairs in Connecticut

Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Connecticut published: June 21, 2025 Flag of Connecticut

If you’re a Connecticut renter facing serious repair or maintenance issues that your landlord won’t fix, you may wonder what your rights and remedies are. Connecticut law gives tenants specific tools—including rent escrow and, in some cases, rent withholding—to address serious habitability problems. This guide breaks down your legal options, practical steps, and the key state resources you need as a renter.

Understanding Habitability and Your Rights as a Connecticut Renter

Landlords in Connecticut are required by law to keep rental properties safe and livable. This means fixing issues that affect your health or safety, such as leaks, plumbing, broken heat, or major pest infestations. These requirements are protected under the Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832 - Landlord and Tenant: Public Act Sec. 47a-7.[1]

  • Repairs must be made within a reasonable time after you notify the landlord.
  • If repairs aren't done, you do not have the automatic right to withhold rent in most cases. Connecticut courts provide a legal process instead, known as rent escrow.

What is Rent Escrow?

Rent escrow allows you, the tenant, to pay your rent to the court instead of the landlord if serious housing code violations aren't fixed. The court will hold the funds while deciding whether repairs must be ordered, and possibly whether rent should be refunded, reduced, or paid to the landlord once the problem is resolved.

When Is Rent Escrow Available?

You may use rent escrow if:

  • You notified your landlord in writing about a serious problem affecting health or safety.
  • The problem violates local housing code or Connecticut’s legal requirements for habitability.
  • The landlord hasn’t made repairs within a reasonable time.

If you’re unsure what counts, typical issues include no heat during winter, unsafe wiring, or major leaks. Start by contacting your local housing code office to request an inspection.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Connecticut courts provide a form called:

How to use it: File this form in the Connecticut Superior Court - Housing Session when you want the court to hold your rent payments due to a landlord’s failure to make legally required repairs. For example, if your apartment has no heat and your landlord ignores your written requests after several days, you can file the Application for Rent Deposit to start the escrow process.

Steps to File for Rent Escrow

Here’s how to start a rent escrow case in Connecticut:

  • Document the issue (photos, complaints, letters to your landlord)
  • Contact your local health or housing inspector for an official inspection
  • Fill out and file the Application for Rent Deposit (JD-HM-15) at your local Housing Court
  • Be prepared to deposit your rent payments with the court, as directed
  • Attend the court hearing if scheduled
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Can You Withhold Rent in Connecticut?

Unlike some states, Connecticut generally does not allow tenants to simply stop paying rent if the landlord fails to make repairs. If you stop paying rent without following the official escrow process, you may face eviction.

If you’re dealing with unsafe or unlivable conditions, always document your communication and go through the proper rent escrow steps to protect your rights.

Which Tribunal Handles Rent Escrow Cases?

All rent escrow cases are handled by the Connecticut Superior Court - Housing Session. Find your local Housing Court and learn about their process on the Connecticut Judicial Branch Landlord/Tenant Law page.

What Connecticut Tenant Laws Apply?

These statutes clearly outline your and your landlord’s responsibilities regarding maintenance, repairs, and escrow procedures.[2][3]

FAQs: Connecticut Rent Escrow and Repairs

  1. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn't fix something?
    Connecticut law generally does not allow tenants to withhold rent without court approval. Use rent escrow through the Housing Court instead for serious habitability issues.
  2. What is the rent escrow process?
    Rent escrow is when you pay your rent to the court while problems are resolved. You must notify your landlord in writing, get a code inspection, and file the proper court form before you stop paying your landlord directly.
  3. How long does my landlord have to fix serious repairs?
    The law requires that repairs be made in a "reasonable" time after notice. For urgent issues (like no heat), this usually means within a couple of days.
  4. Where can I get rent escrow forms and help?
    Visit the Application for Rent Deposit (JD-HM-15) form page and contact the Connecticut Superior Court Housing Session for assistance.
  5. What happens if I stop paying rent without going to court?
    Skipping court and simply withholding rent puts you at risk of eviction. Always follow the legal rent escrow process to protect yourself.

Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

  • Use rent escrow, not direct rent withholding, for repairs in Connecticut.
  • Document all requests and complaints in writing and contact your local health/housing code office.
  • File the correct court form (JD-HM-15) to start the legal process if needed.

Always use the formal process to protect your rights and avoid risking eviction.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832 - Landlord and Tenant: Official government text
  2. Rent Escrow law: Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-14h
  3. Superior Court housing forms and instructions: JD-HM-15 and Renters' Law Resources

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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