Connecticut · CT

Demand letters in Connecticut.

In Connecticut, landlords must return a deposit within 30 days (or 15 days after you give a forwarding address, whichever is later), and the Small Claims (Superior Court) hears claims up to $5,000 (no limit for certain security-deposit claims). Here's the law you need — and a generator that cites it for you.

By The Demand Letter Kit Team Sourced from official statutesUpdated June 1, 2026

Connecticut demand letter facts at a glance

Deposit return deadline

30 days (or 15 days after you give a forwarding address, whichever is later)

Small claims limit

$5,000 (no limit for certain security-deposit claims)

Filing fee

About $95

Written-contract SOL

6 years

Personal-injury SOL

2 years

Legal/judgment interest

10% per year (statutory post-judgment); deposit interest set yearly by the Banking Commissioner.

Security deposit demand letters in Connecticut

If your former landlord is holding your deposit, Connecticut law is on your side. A landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days (or 15 days after you give a forwarding address, whichever is later), along with an itemized statement of any deductions. A landlord who fails to comply can owe twice the amount of the deposit wrongfully withheld. Connecticut also requires landlords to pay interest on deposits.

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Statutes of limitation in Connecticut

A demand letter doesn't pause the clock — you must file suit within these windows:

Written contracts 6 years
Oral contracts 3 years
Personal injury 2 years
Property damage 2 years

Small claims court in Connecticut

If your demand letter is ignored, Connecticut's Small Claims (Superior Court) is usually the next step. It hears claims up to $5,000 (no limit for certain security-deposit claims), with filing fees around About $95. You typically don't need a lawyer, and mentioning that you're prepared to file gives your letter real weight.

Connecticut courts self-help

Good to know in Connecticut

Connecticut requires landlords to pay annual interest on deposits at a rate the Banking Commissioner sets each year, and to return the deposit within 30 days (or 15 days after you provide a forwarding address). The general small claims cap is $5,000, but Connecticut notably removes the cap for many security-deposit claims, so a large deposit dispute can still proceed there. Doubling of the wrongfully withheld amount is available, making a documented certified-mail demand a strong opening move.

Connecticut demand letter FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, a landlord generally must return your security deposit within 30 days (or 15 days after you give a forwarding address, whichever is later). A landlord who fails to comply can owe twice the amount of the deposit wrongfully withheld. The governing statute is Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21.
What is the small claims court limit in Connecticut?
Connecticut's Small Claims (Superior Court) hears claims up to $5,000 (no limit for certain security-deposit claims), with filing fees of roughly About $95. Most demand-letter disputes fall within this limit, which is what makes a demand letter such effective leverage.
How long do I have to sue in Connecticut?
Connecticut's statute of limitations is 6 years for written contracts, 3 years for oral contracts, 2 years for personal injury, and 2 years for property damage. Sending a demand letter does not pause these deadlines, so don't wait too long.
Do I have to send a demand letter before filing in Connecticut?
Connecticut does not always require a demand letter before suing, but sending one is strongly recommended: many courts expect it, it can resolve the dispute without filing, and it documents that you tried to settle in good faith — which helps your case if you do end up in Small Claims (Superior Court).

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