What are the laws governing the return of a security deposit?
In Connecticut, laws govern the return of a security deposit between landlords and tenants. The landlord must return the security deposit, with interest, within 30 days of the tenant moving out of the property. Interest must be calculated at the rate established by the current Connecticut banking laws. In order for a landlord to keep any part of the security deposit, they must provide the tenant with a written statement detailing the reasons behind the deduction along with any remaining balance. The security deposit can only be used to cover damages due to the tenant’s negligence or for unpaid rent. It cannot be used to cover normal wear and tear of the property, unless the tenant doesn’t follow the terms of the rental agreement. If the landlord fails to return the deposit, the tenant can file a small claims lawsuit and ask for up to twice the amount of the security deposit as a penalty. The tenant should also make sure to properly document the conditions of the property before moving out. Taking pictures of the interior and exterior of the property can help protect the tenant in the case of a dispute. The tenant should also provide written notice to the landlord within 7 days of moving out and provide documentation of their forwarding address. Following these steps can help ensure that the tenant gets all of their security deposit back in a timely manner.
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