Connecticut Residential Lease Agreement

This Residential Lease Agreement (the "Lease") is entered into as of [[Lease Date]] by and between [[Landlord Full Legal Name(s)]] ("Landlord") and [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]] (jointly and severally, "Tenant"). Landlord leases to Tenant, and Tenant leases from Landlord, the Premises described below on the terms and conditions set forth in this Lease.

1. Premises

Landlord leases to Tenant the residential premises located at [[Property Street Address]], [[City]], Connecticut [[ZIP Code]] (the "Premises").

The Premises include: [[Description of included areas, e.g., the single-family home, attached garage, and backyard]].

Assigned parking: [[Parking Description or "None"]]

Storage: [[Storage Description or "None"]]

Furnishings and appliances included: [[List Furnishings and Appliances or "Unfurnished"]]

Tenant has inspected the Premises and accepts it in its present condition, except as noted on the attached Move-In / Condition Checklist (Exhibit A).

2. Term

The Lease term begins on [[Lease Start Date]] and ends on [[Lease End Date]] (the "Lease Term").

This Lease is: [[Fixed Term / Month-to-Month, specify]]

If month-to-month, either party may terminate by giving at least [[Notice Period, e.g. 30 or 60 days as required]] days' written notice.

If the Lease Term begins on a day other than the first of the month, the first month's Rent shall be prorated.

3. Rent

Tenant shall pay monthly Rent of $[[Monthly Rent Amount]], due in advance on the [[Rent Due Date, e.g. 1st]] day of each month.

Payment shall be made to [[Landlord or Agent Name]] at [[Payment Address or Electronic Method]] or such other place as Landlord designates in writing.

Rent shall be paid by [[Accepted Payment Methods, e.g., personal check, cashier's check, electronic funds transfer]].

No rent shall be paid in cash unless specifically authorized in writing.

4. Late Fees and Returned Payments

Rent is due on the due date. A late fee of $[[Late Fee Amount or Percentage]] (or the maximum permitted by law) may be charged if Rent is not received within the grace period provided by Connecticut law (if any). Late fees must be reasonable.

A fee of $[[NSF / Returned Payment Fee]] (or actual bank charge, whichever is less) applies to any returned or dishonored payment.

Acceptance of late or partial payment does not waive Landlord's right to enforce the Lease or pursue eviction.

5. Security Deposit

Upon execution of this Lease, Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]].

Under CGS § 47a-21, the security deposit shall not exceed two (2) months' rent. For tenants who are sixty-two (62) years of age or older, the deposit shall not exceed one (1) month's rent.

The deposit secures Tenant's performance of the Lease. Landlord may apply it to unpaid Rent, repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and reasonable cleaning costs to return the Premises to the move-in condition.

Landlord shall hold the deposit in accordance with Connecticut law. Landlord shall return the deposit, together with an itemized statement of any deductions, within thirty (30) days after termination of the tenancy and Tenant's surrender of the Premises and return of keys.

If Landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the required statement within the time limit, Landlord forfeits the right to make any deductions and Tenant may recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus costs and reasonable attorneys' fees (CGS § 47a-21).

Interest: The deposit shall accrue interest at the rate set by the Banking Commissioner if required by law for the holding period.

Tenant may not apply the deposit as last month's rent.

6. Utilities and Services

Tenant shall be responsible for payment of: [[Tenant Pays, e.g., electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet, cable]]

Landlord shall be responsible for: [[Landlord Pays, e.g., none / structural / common area]]

Tenant shall place utilities in Tenant's name as of the Lease start date and maintain service throughout the tenancy.

7. Use of Premises; Occupants

The Premises shall be used solely as a private residence by Tenant and the following permitted occupants: [[List Permitted Occupants or "Tenant only"]]

No business or commercial activity is permitted without Landlord's prior written consent.

Tenant shall comply with all laws, ordinances, and rules applicable to the Premises.

8. Guests

Guests may stay for up to [[Max Guest Stay Without Consent, e.g. 14 consecutive days]] without Landlord's prior written consent. Longer stays require written approval and may be treated as a breach or require an additional occupant to be added to the Lease.

9. Pets

Pets are: [[Permitted / Not Permitted / Conditional, specify rules]]

If permitted, Tenant shall pay a non-refundable pet fee of $[[Pet Fee Amount]] and/or additional monthly pet rent of $[[Monthly Pet Rent]] (if any).

Assistance animals required by law are not "pets" and are permitted with proper documentation; no pet fee applies.

Tenant is responsible for all damage, odors, noise, or waste caused by any animal.

10. Smoking

Smoking (including e-cigarettes and vaping): [[Prohibited inside the Premises and within 25 feet of entrances / Permitted only in designated outdoor areas / Other, specify]]

Tenant is responsible for all damage and remediation costs caused by smoke or smoke residue.

11. Maintenance and Repairs, Landlord

Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition as required by CGS § 47a-7 and applicable codes. Landlord shall keep in good repair the roof, exterior walls, plumbing, heating, electrical, and other structural components.

Landlord shall provide and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as required by law.

12. Maintenance and Repairs, Tenant

Tenant shall keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and in good order; promptly notify Landlord in writing of any needed repairs or unsafe conditions; replace light bulbs and HVAC filters as needed; and properly use all appliances and systems.

Tenant shall not deliberately or negligently damage the Premises. Tenant shall pay for repair of damage caused by Tenant's misuse or neglect or that of Tenant's guests or invitees, beyond ordinary wear and tear.

13. Landlord's Right of Entry

Landlord may enter the Premises under the following circumstances and with the notice required by CGS § 47a-16:

• To inspect, make repairs or improvements, or supply services, at least twenty-four (24) hours' advance notice (written or oral) during reasonable hours.

• To show the Premises to prospective tenants, purchasers, lenders, contractors, or inspectors, with reasonable notice.

• In case of emergency (no notice required).

• With Tenant's consent.

• Pursuant to court order.

Landlord shall not abuse the right of entry or use it to harass Tenant.

14. Alterations and Improvements

Tenant shall not make alterations, additions, painting, or installations (including satellite dishes, antennas, or locks) without Landlord's prior written consent. Approved improvements become Landlord's property upon installation unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Tenant shall not change or add locks without providing Landlord a key or access device.

15. Assignment and Subletting

Tenant shall not assign this Lease or sublet the Premises or any part thereof without Landlord's prior written consent. Any attempted assignment or sublease without consent is void and constitutes a material breach.

16. Default and Remedies

Tenant is in default if Tenant fails to pay Rent when due, violates any term of this Lease, or abandons the Premises.

Upon default, Landlord may serve appropriate notice as required by Connecticut law (including CGS Chapter 832) and pursue all remedies available, including eviction, recovery of possession, unpaid Rent, damages, costs, and reasonable attorneys' fees.

Landlord shall not engage in self-help eviction (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing property) except as expressly permitted by law.

17. Holdover

If Tenant remains in possession after the Lease Term expires without Landlord's written consent, Tenant shall be a holdover tenant. Landlord may treat Tenant as a month-to-month tenant or pursue eviction and damages, including holdover rent at [[Holdover Rent Rate, e.g. 150% of monthly rent]] or as permitted by law.

18. Surrender of Premises

Upon termination of this Lease, Tenant shall:

1. Remove all personal property and debris.

2. Return all keys, access devices, garage openers, and remotes.

3. Leave the Premises clean, in good condition, and in the same state as at move-in, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

4. Provide Landlord with a forwarding address in writing.

Failure to remove personal property may result in disposal as permitted by Connecticut law after any required notice.

19. Notices

All notices shall be in writing. Notices to Tenant may be delivered personally, posted on the Premises, or sent by first-class mail to the Premises address. Notices to Landlord shall be sent to [[Landlord Notice Address or Email]].

20. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Pre-1978 Units)

If the Premises was built before 1978:

Landlord has provided the required lead-based paint disclosure and EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" as an addendum to this Lease (42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35).

Tenant acknowledges receipt of the lead disclosure and pamphlet.

21. Other Required Disclosures

Landlord identity and contact: The owner or authorized agent for the Premises is [[Landlord or Agent Name and Contact Information]].

If applicable, flood hazard, bed bug, mold, or other disclosures required by Connecticut or local law are attached or stated here: [[Additional Disclosures or "None"]]

22. Insurance

Tenant is strongly encouraged (and may be required by Landlord) to obtain renter's insurance with personal liability coverage of at least $[[Minimum Liability Coverage]]. Landlord's insurance does not cover Tenant's personal property or liability.

23. Liability and Indemnity

Except to the extent caused by Landlord's negligence or violation of law, Tenant assumes all risk of loss or injury arising from Tenant's use of the Premises or the acts of Tenant's household members, guests, or invitees, and shall indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from resulting claims.

24. Governing Law

This Lease is governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut. Venue for any action shall lie in the appropriate court in the county where the Premises is located.

25. Severability; Entire Agreement; Waiver

If any provision is held invalid, the remainder remains in effect. This Lease (including exhibits and addenda) is the entire agreement and supersedes prior agreements. No waiver of any breach is a waiver of any other breach. Amendments must be in writing and signed.

26. Attorney Fees

In any action to enforce this Lease, the prevailing party may recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs as permitted by law.

27. Exhibits and Addenda

The following are attached and made part of this Lease:

• Exhibit A: Move-In / Condition Checklist and Inventory

• Exhibit B: Rules and Regulations

• Exhibit C: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and Pamphlet (if pre-1978)

• Exhibit D: Security Deposit Receipt and Itemization Form

• Additional Addenda: [[List or "None"]]

28. Signatures

LANDLORD

Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___________

Print Name / Title: [[Landlord Signatory Name and Title]]

TENANT

Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___________

Print Name: [[Tenant Full Legal Name]]

ADDITIONAL TENANT (if any)

Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___________

Print Name: [[Additional Tenant Name]], -

*Sample template for Connecticut, not legal advice. Security deposit rules per CGS § 47a-21 (cap and 30-day return with itemization). Entry notice per CGS § 47a-16 (24 hours). Lead disclosure required for pre-1978 housing. Verify current statutes, any local rent control or just-cause rules, and consult an attorney licensed in Connecticut. Provisions current as of 2026-06.*