Can I sue for a landlord keeping my deposit in Connecticut?

Which law covers security deposits in Connecticut?

governing statute

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Connecticut?

deadline

21 days

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Across the country. 7 of the 47 states written up answer this the same way as Connecticut. The shortest is 14 days, as in Alaska; the longest is 60 days, as in Alabama. Compare every state →

What is the penalty if a landlord keeps your deposit in Connecticut?

penalty

Twice the amount of the security deposit paid. Where the only failure is the accrued interest, it is ten dollars or twice the interest, whichever is greater.

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Which court hears a case like this in Connecticut?

which court

Small claims session of the Superior Court

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

How much can you sue for in Connecticut small claims court?

small claims limit

$5,000

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

exceptions: $15,000 for work by a certified home improvement or new home construction contractor. Libel and slander cannot be heard here at all. A tenant suing to get a security deposit back may be awarded more than the limit, costs included.

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

What else should you know in Connecticut?

also

Twenty-one days after the tenancy ends, or fifteen days after you give written notice of a forwarding address — whichever is later. The 21 days replaced 30 in 2023, so older guidance is out of date.

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.