Free Connecticut Rental Lease Agreement


Sample Connecticut Rental Lease Agreement

RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT

THIS RESIDENTIAL LEASE (the "Lease") dated this ___ day of ____________________,20___

BETWEEN:

_______________

(the "Landlord")

- AND-

_______________

(the "Tenant")

(individually the "Party" and collectively the "Parties")

IN CONSIDERATION OF the Landlord leasing certain premises to the Tenant and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

    Leased Property

  1. The Landlord agrees to rent to the Tenant the house, municipally described as ______________________, ______________________, Connecticut, ______________________ (the "Property"), for use as residential premises only.
  2. No guests of the Tenants may occupy the Property for longer than one week without the prior written consent of the Landlord.
  3. Term

  4. The term of the Lease is a periodic commencing at 12:00 noon on _____________of _____________, 20___ and continuing on a month-to-month basis until the Landlord or the Tenant terminates the tenancy.
  5. Rent

  6. Subject to the provisions of this Lease, the rent for the Property is $_____________ per week (the "Rent").
  7. The Tenant will pay the Rent weekly, on or before ______________ of each and every week of the term of this Lease to the Landlord at ______________________, ______________________, State of Connecticut, ______________________ or at such other place as the Landlord may later designate by Cash.
  8. Tenant Improvements

  9. The Tenant will obtain written permission from the Landlord before doing any of the following:
    1. applying adhesive materials, or inserting nails or hooks in walls or ceilings other than two small picture hooks per wall;
    2. painting, wallpapering, redecorating or in any way significantly altering the appearance of the Property;
    3. removing or adding walls, or performing any structural alterations;
    4. installing a waterbed(s);
    5. changing the amount of heat or power normally used on the Property as well as installing additional electrical wiring or heating units;
    6. placing or exposing or allowing to be placed or exposed anywhere inside or outside the Property any placard, notice or sign for advertising or any other purpose; or
    7. affixing to or erecting upon or near the Property any radio or TV antenna or tower.
  10. Insurance

  11. The Tenant is hereby advised and understands that the personal property of the Tenant is not insured by the Landlord for either damage or loss, and the Landlord assumes no liability for any such loss.
  12. Attorney Fees

  13. In the event that any action is filed in relation to this Lease, the unsuccessful Party in the action will pay to the successful Party, in addition to all the sums that either Party may be called on to pay, a reasonable sum for the successful Party's attorney fees.
  14. Governing Law

  15. This Lease will be construed in accordance with and exclusively governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut.
  16. Severability

  17. If there is a conflict between any provision of this Lease and the applicable legislation of the State of Connecticut (the "Act"), the Act will prevail and such provisions of the Lease will be amended or deleted as necessary in order to comply with the Act. Further, any provisions that are required by the Act are incorporated into this Lease.
  18. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Lease will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Lease.  Such other provisions remain in full force and effect.
  19. Amendment of Lease

  20. This Lease may only be amended or modified by a written document executed by the Parties.
  21. Damage to Property

  22. If the Property should be damaged other than by the Tenant's negligence or willful act or that of the Tenant's employee, family, agent, or visitor and the Landlord decides not to rebuild or repair the Property, the Landlord may end this Lease by giving appropriate notice.
  23. Care and Use of Property

  24. The Tenant will promptly notify the Landlord of any damage, or of any situation that may significantly interfere with the normal use of the Property or to any furnishings supplied by the Landlord.
  25. The Tenant will not engage in any illegal trade or activity on or about the Property.
  26. The Parties will comply with standards of health, sanitation, fire, housing and safety as required by law.
  27. The Parties will use reasonable efforts to maintain the Property in such a condition as to prevent the accumulation of moisture and the growth of mold. The Tenant will promptly notify the Landlord in writing of any moisture accumulation that occurs or of any visible evidence of mold discovered by the Tenant. The Landlord will promptly respond to any such written notices from the Tenant.
  28. If the Tenant is absent from the Property and the Property is unoccupied for a period of 4 consecutive days or longer, the Tenant will arrange for regular inspection by a competent person. The Landlord will be notified in advance as to the name, address and phone number of the person doing the inspections.
  29. At the expiration of the term of this Lease, the Tenant will quit and surrender the Property in as good a state and condition as they were at the commencement of this Lease, reasonable use and wear and tear excepted.
  30. Rules and Regulations

  31. The Tenant will obey all rules and regulations of the Landlord regarding the Property.
  32. Address for Notice

  33. For any matter relating to this tenancy, the Tenant may be contacted at the Property or through the phone number below. After this tenancy has been terminated, the contact information of the Tenant is:
    1. Name: _______________
    2. Phone: ______________________
  34. For any matter relating to this tenancy, whether during or after this tenancy has been terminated, the Landlord's address for notice is:
    1. Name: _______________
    2. Address: ______________________, ______________________, State of Connecticut, ______________________

      The contact information for the Landlord is:

    3. Phone: ______________________
  35. General Provisions

  36. All monetary amounts stated or referred to in this Lease are based in the United States dollar.
  37. Any waiver by the Landlord of any failure by the Tenant to perform or observe the provisions of this Lease will not operate as a waiver of the Landlord's rights under this Lease in respect of any subsequent defaults, breaches or non-performance and will not defeat or affect in any way the Landlord's rights in respect of any subsequent default or breach.
  38. This Lease will extend to and be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, as the case may be, of each Party. All covenants are to be construed as conditions of this Lease.
  39. All sums payable by the Tenant to the Landlord pursuant to any provision of this Lease will be deemed to be additional rent and will be recovered by the Landlord as rental arrears.
  40. Where there is more than one Tenant executing this Lease, all Tenants are jointly and severally liable for each other's acts, omissions and liabilities pursuant to this Lease.
  41. Locks may not be added or changed without the prior written agreement of both Parties, or unless the changes are made in compliance with the Act.
  42. The Tenant will be charged an additional amount of $25.00 for each N.S.F. check or checks returned by the Tenant's financial institution.
  43. Headings are inserted for the convenience of the Parties only and are not to be considered when interpreting this Lease. Words in the singular mean and include the plural and vice versa. Words in the masculine mean and include the feminine and vice versa.
  44. This Lease may be executed in counterparts. Facsimile signatures are binding and are considered to be original signatures.
  45. This Lease constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties.
  46. During the last 30 days of this Lease, the Landlord or the Landlord's agents will have the privilege of displaying the usual 'For Sale' or 'For Rent' or 'Vacancy' signs on the Property.
  47. Time is of the essence in this Lease.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF _______________ and _______________ have duly affixed their signatures on this ___ day of ____________________,20___.

_________________________________
Landlord: _______________

  _________________________________
Tenant: _______________

The Tenant acknowledges receiving a duplicate copy of this Lease signed by the Tenant and the Landlord on the _____ day of ______________________, 20____.

_________________________________
Tenant: _______________

   

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Property: ______________________, ______________________, Connecticut, ______________________
Landlord: _______________
Tenant: _______________

Landlord's Disclosure

The Landlord CERTIFIES THAT:

  1. The Landlord has NO knowledge of any lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in or about the Property.
  2. The Landlord has NO records or reports relating to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in or about the Property.
Date: ___ day of ____________________,20___

 Landlord: _______________

per: _________________________________


Tenant's Disclosure

The Tenant ACKNOWLEDGES receipt of:

  1. the information contained in the above Landlord's Disclosure including the above-mentioned reports and records; and
  2. the pamphlet Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home (EPA-747-K-99-001) or an equivalent pamphlet that has been approved for use in the state by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Date: ___ day of ____________________,20___

 Tenant: _______________

per: _________________________________

The pamphlet Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home can be ordered in hard copy or can be printed from the website http://www2.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-lead-your-home.


Asbestos Disclosure

Property: ______________________, ______________________, Connecticut, ______________________
Landlord: _______________
Tenant: _______________

Landlord's Disclosure

The Landlord CERTIFIES THAT:

  1. The Landlord has investigated and there is no asbestos in or about the Property.
  2. The Landlord has NO records or reports with respect to asbestos in or about the Property.
Date: ___ day of ____________________,20___

 Landlord: _______________

per: _________________________________


Tenant's Disclosure

The Tenant ACKNOWLEDGES receipt of the information contained in the above Landlord's Disclosure including any reports and records.

Date: ___ day of ____________________,20___

Tenant: _______________

per: _________________________________

Connecticut Rental Lease Agreement

Before moving to the state of Connecticut, don’t you think that you should know everything about rental lease agreements, security deposits, your responsibility, and extra fees applicable? Well, before filling in our Connecticut rental lease agreement form, we shall outline the details of the landlord-tenant laws.

Official rules and regulations

Security Deposit

What is the maximum security deposit allowed?

According to the rental lease agreement laws in Connecticut, the maximum security deposit payable is two months’ worth of rent for tenants aged 62 years and younger or one month’s rent for tenants older than 62 years of age.

The tenants aged above 62 years may request a refund if the security deposit exceeds a month’s rent.

Is there any security deposit interest applicable?

Yes. This is a requirement, and it should be paid at the rate set by the Banking Commissioner. The tenant will forfeit their right to the interest for any month that the rent is late by more than 10 days. The exception for this is when there are late fees agreed to when the lease is charged. The landlord shall not increase the rent because of the requirement to pay interest on the deposits.

Should there be a separate security deposit bank account?

Yes, this is a requirement.

Are there pet deposits?

No, there are no statutes

Are there non-refundable fees?

No statutes apply to this

What is the deadline for returning the security deposit?

A landlord has 30 days or in some cases, 15 days after the tenant issues their forwarding address – whichever is the latter.

  • What are the permitted uses of the security deposit?

    • Covering unpaid rent due under the lease

    • For utility payments owed to the landlord

    • Damage resulting from the tenant’s failure to comply with their tenant obligations.

Should there be a written description or an itemized list of damages and charges?

Yes.

Is there a statute in the Connecticut rental lease agreements stipulating the need for record keeping of the deposit withholdings?

No.

About receipt of the deposit

A receipt is needed for the cash payment. The receipt should state the amount deposited, date and the purpose of the payment. This is important because the Banking Commissioner may request the landlord to provide, within seven days, the name of each bank they hold their deposits, including the account number of every escrow account.

What are the consequences of non-compliance?

If the landlord doesn’t comply with the rules for returning the deposit, the landlord will be liable for double the value of the security deposit. But, there is an exception – in case the violation is for failing to return the interest, the landlord is only liable for twice the interest.

Also, the Banking Commissioner is empowered to investigate any claims of violations and may file the landlord for every offense and the amount differing for the different violations.

Lease, Fees, and Rent

When is rent due?

As a tenant and a landlord agree on the Connecticut rental lease agreement, the, and if not agreed upon, rent is due at the beginning of any term of one month or less. For terms more than a month, rent is due at the beginning of the month.

Is a rent increase notice a requirement?

No, it’s not in the statutes.

What is the rent grace-period?

If for any reason, rent isn’t paid within nine days of when the rent is due, or within four days in week-to-week leases, the landlord has the right to terminate the lease and evict – all in accordance with the state rules on eviction.

Are late fees charged?

The landlord may nor charge late fees until nine days after the rent is overdue.

Are there any statutes for prepaid rent?

No.

Legal lease contract statutes on returned check fees

There are no statutes regarding the fees that the bank may charge when processing overdrawn checks. Also, the fees vary with the banks, and if the check is for rent, a tenant isn’t liable to the landlord for any civil charges. This is according to the Penal Code Ch. 925 §§ 52-565a.

Can tenants withhold rent for failure to offer essential services?

Yes. However, the tenant has to first give notice specifying the violations and then they may procure the service and then deduct the cost from the rent. The lease shall not, however, permit the receipt of rent for any period during which the landlord fails to comply with their legally binding duties.

In case the landlord fails to satisfy their legally required duties, a tenant may submit a detailed complaint to the local Housing Court compelling the landlord to satisfy their responsibilities. The tenant can then arrange to pay rent into a court-controlled escrow account.

If, and when the landlord fixes the violation, then, they can request for the termination of rent payment to the court. The court decides how to distribute the money held, and it may order that the rent is returned to the tenant.

Can the landlord repair and deduct rent?

No, no statute defines the process of repairs and deductions.

Can the landlord recover court and attorney fees?

Only in some cases – such as if the tenant refuses the landlord entry to the premises such that the landlord goes to court to regain entry. In such cases, the landlord may recover the actual damages at reasonable attorney fees.

At the same time, the lease may not include any provisions where the tenant agrees to pay the landlord’s attorney fees more than 15 percent any judgment against the tenant.

;Can the landlord make a reasonable attempt to mitigate damages to the lessee, including any attempts to re-rent?

Yes. If the tenant abandons the premises, the landlord can make reasonable efforts to rent the unit at a fair rate to mitigate any damages.

Is there abandonment/ early termination fees?

No statutes cover these.

Notices and Entry

How long is the notice to terminate tenancy on a fixed date lease

A three-day notice is necessary.

How long is the notice to terminate tenancy for yearly leases with no end dates?

A three-day notice is required.

How long is the notice of terminating the tenancy for a month-to-month or week-to-week lease?

Three days.

What calls for termination of tenancy within 24-hours’ notice?

There are no statutes for 24-hour lease terminations.

Is there a notice date/ time for move-out inspections?

No statute.

Any notice of termination of week-to-week leases for nonpayment?

Three-days’ notice required and it can be given if the rent isn’t paid with the four-day statutory grace-period. Also, in these weekly leases, a notice to quit terminates the lease for that week, and it converts the tenancy into a tenancy at sufferance – laying grounds for eviction.

How long is the notice of termination for all the other leases for nonpayment?

Three days are necessary. These days can be given if the rent isn’t paid within the statutory grace period.

In case of the month-to-month leases, a notice to quit terminates the lease for the month and converts the tenancy into a tenancy at sufferance, laying grounds for eviction.

How long is the notice of termination of lease violation?

This is a 15-day written notice specifying the required violation.

What is the duration of the required notice before entry?

A reasonable or an oral notice is necessary, and entry is only allowed at reasonable times

Is entry allowed for notice of non-emergency maintenance and repairs?

Yes

Is entry with notice allowed for showings?

Yes,

Is entry allowed during a tenant’s extended absence?

Yes, although the tenant has to give notice of the anticipated extended absence and the landlord may enter the premise at reasonable times for inspections, repairs, alternations, and improvements.

Can tenants use pesticides?

No statute.

Are lockouts allowed?

No, unless in the Summary Process

Is utility Shut-off required?

No.

Disclosure and miscellaneous notes

This will include name and addresses, copies of the lease, domestic violence situations, early termination rights, proof of status, and landlord’s / tenant’s duties. It also covers retaliation, Lead disclosure and payment options besides Electronic Funds Transfer.

Court Related

  • In the Connecticut Small Claims Court –

    • Limits are $5,000 except for the return of security deposits disputes.

    • No eviction cases allowed

    • The statute of Limitations covers written and oral contracts for 6 and 3 years respectively.

    • Legal aid is available

Business licenses

There are no state-wide statutes, but local cities may need the licenses.

For your rental lease agreement in Connecticut, get your online form here.

Sample

CT Rental Lease Agreement

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