Connecticut Security Deposit Demand Letter (C.G.S. § 47a-21)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-21, a landlord must return the security deposit with accrued interest, or the balance with a written, itemized statement of any damages deducted, within 21 days after the tenancy ends or 15 days after receiving the tenant's forwarding address in writing, whichever is later. This letter also provides my forwarding address in writing.
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for twice the amount of the security deposit.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in Connecticut
Connecticut landlords must return the security deposit, plus accrued interest, no later than 21 days after the tenancy ends or 15 days after receiving the tenant's forwarding address in writing, whichever is later. The 21-day period took effect in 2023, replacing the earlier 30-day rule. Deductions are limited to damages caused by the tenant's failure to meet their obligations, such as unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Anything withheld must be explained in a written statement itemizing the nature and amount of each deduction, sent to the forwarding address. Because the deadline runs from the later of the two dates, it's important to give the landlord your forwarding address in writing. Deposits are capped at two months' rent, or one month's rent for tenants aged 62 or older.
Landlords must hold deposits in an escrow account and pay interest every year at no less than the state's deposit index rate. A landlord who violates the return rules can be liable for twice the amount of the security deposit, or for $10 or twice the interest owed, whichever is greater, if the only problem is unpaid interest. A doubled deposit claim can be heard in small claims court even if it exceeds the usual $5,000 limit.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Connecticut's own deadline under C.G.S. § 47a-21 is 21 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Connecticut limit: $5,000 (deposit claims may exceed this when doubled)). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Connecticut, the rules are set out in Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-21. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award twice the amount of the security deposit.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Connecticut the limit is $5,000 (deposit claims may exceed this when doubled), which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Connecticut security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-21, a landlord must return the security deposit with accrued interest, or the balance with a written, itemized statement of any damages deducted, within 21 days after the tenancy ends or 15 days after receiving the tenant's forwarding address in writing, whichever is later. This letter also provides my forwarding address in writing.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for twice the amount of the security deposit.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Connecticut landlord have to return a deposit?
21 days after the tenancy ends, or 15 days after receiving your forwarding address in writing, whichever is later. The deposit must come back with accrued interest, or with an itemized statement explaining every deduction.
Do Connecticut landlords pay interest on security deposits?
Yes. Landlords must pay interest each year at no less than the deposit index rate set under state law. Interest is paid or credited on the anniversary of the tenancy, and any accrued interest is due with the deposit at move-out.
What can I recover if my Connecticut landlord breaks the deposit rules?
A landlord who violates the return requirements can be liable for twice the amount of the security deposit. If the only violation is failing to pay accrued interest, the penalty is $10 or twice the interest, whichever is greater.
What is the small claims limit for a Connecticut deposit case?
The general small claims limit is $5,000, but when a tenant sues in small claims to get a deposit back, the court may award double damages and costs even when the total is higher than that limit.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
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