Connecticut Residential Lease Agreement Template

RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT (CONNECTICUT)

Document Control:

• Effective Date: [Date]
• Version: 2024.1
• Jurisdiction: State of Connecticut (Governed by C.G.S. Title 47a)

LEGAL NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

THIS DOCUMENT IS A GENERAL TEMPLATE. It is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute formal legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. Connecticut landlord-tenant law (C.G.S. Chapter 830) is subject to frequent legislative updates. Parties should consult with qualified local counsel to ensure compliance with specific municipal ordinances (e.g., Fair Rent Commissions) and property-specific requirements. User assumes all liability for execution.

1. PARTIES AND PREMISES

This Lease is entered into on [Date] by and between:

• Landlord: [Full Legal Name of Landlord], of [Landlord Address] ("Landlord").
• Tenant(s): [Full Legal Name of Tenant(s)] ("Tenant").

Premises: Landlord leases to Tenant the real property located at: [Street Address, Unit #, City, State, Zip Code] ("Premises").

2. TERM

The term shall commence on [Start Date] and terminate on [End Date] ("Term"). Upon expiration, this Lease shall convert to a month-to-month tenancy unless written notice of termination is provided at least thirty (30) days prior to the end of the Term.

3. RENT AND SECURITY DEPOSIT

• Monthly Rent: The sum of $[Amount] is due on the [Day] of each month.
• Payment Method: [Check/Electronic Transfer/Portal] to [Account/Address].
• Security Deposit: Tenant shall deposit $[Amount] (not to exceed two months' rent, or one month if Tenant is 62+ years of age per C.G.S. § 47a-21).

4. OPERATIVE CLAUSES

1. Use of Premises: Premises shall be used exclusively for residential purposes.
2. Maintenance: Tenant shall maintain the Premises in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition. Landlord shall perform all structural repairs required by C.G.S. § 47a-7.
3. Right of Entry: Landlord shall provide at least twenty-four (24) hours' notice before entering, except in cases of emergency.
4. Assignment/Subletting: Tenant shall not assign this Lease or sublet the Premises without Landlord’s prior written consent.
5. Default: If rent is unpaid for nine (9) days (or four (4) days for week-to-week), Landlord may initiate summary process (eviction) procedures per C.G.S. § 47a-23.
6. Governing Law: This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut.
7. Lead-Based Paint: For properties built before 1978, the attached Lead-Based Paint Disclosure is incorporated by reference.

5. SIGNATURES AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing below, the parties acknowledge they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms herein.

LANDLORD: Signature: __________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

TENANT: Signature: __________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

6. STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION GUIDE

1. Compliance Audit: Verify if the property is subject to local municipal ordinances (e.g., New Haven/Hartford specific rent control or registration requirements) and attach the Connecticut Plain Language Contract Act disclosure if applicable.
2. Security Deposit Handling: Per C.G.S. § 47a-21, deposit the security into an escrow account at a qualified financial institution and provide the Tenant with written notice of the bank name and account address within 30 days.
3. Formal Execution: Ensure all adult occupants sign the document. Provide the Tenant with a fully signed "duplicate original" and a copy of the Summary of Rights and Responsibilities as required by the CT Department of Housing.
4. Property Documentation: Conduct a move-in walkthrough inspection and document existing conditions with photographic evidence, signed by both parties, to protect the security deposit during the move-out phase.