SECURITY DEPOSIT DEMAND LETTER
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
AND FIRST-CLASS MAIL
[DATE]
[LANDLORD/PROPERTY MANAGER NAME]
[LANDLORD/PROPERTY MANAGER ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
Re: DEMAND FOR RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Former Tenant: [TENANT FULL NAME]
Rental Property Address: [RENTAL ADDRESS]
Lease Start Date: [DATE]
Move-Out Date: [DATE]
Security Deposit Amount: $[AMOUNT]
Dear [LANDLORD/PROPERTY MANAGER NAME]:
This law firm represents [TENANT FULL NAME] ("Tenant" or "Client") regarding your failure to return the security deposit for the above-referenced rental property in accordance with Connecticut law. This letter constitutes formal demand for the immediate return of our Client's security deposit, plus all applicable interest, statutory penalties, damages, and attorney's fees.
I. CONNECTICUT LEGAL FRAMEWORK
A. Governing Law
Security deposits in Connecticut are governed by Connecticut General Statutes Sections 47a-21 through 47a-22a.
B. Security Deposit Limits
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(b):
- Standard tenants: Maximum of two months' rent
- Tenants age 62 or older: Maximum of one month's rent
C. Return Deadline
Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(d), a landlord must return the security deposit within thirty (30) days after:
1. Termination of the tenancy and vacancy by the tenant; OR
2. Fifteen (15) days after receiving the tenant's forwarding address in writing, whichever is later
D. Interest Requirement
Connecticut law requires landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(i):
- Interest must be paid annually during the tenancy
- Interest accrues from the first day the deposit is held
- The interest rate is equal to the average rate paid on savings deposits by insured commercial banks as published by the Federal Reserve Board, or an equivalent rate
- Interest must be paid within thirty days of each anniversary of the tenancy, or may be credited toward rent
E. Separate Account Requirement
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(h), security deposits must be held in:
- An escrow account in a Connecticut bank; OR
- A bank outside Connecticut if permitted by law
- The account must be a separate, identifiable account used only for security deposits
The landlord must provide the tenant with the name and address of the financial institution holding the deposit.
F. Itemization Requirements
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(d)(2), if the landlord retains any portion of the deposit, they must provide:
- A written itemized statement of damages
- Supporting documentation or receipts
G. Permissible Deductions
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(d), a landlord may retain from the security deposit amounts for:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage to the premises beyond normal wear and tear
- Other breaches of the rental agreement
II. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
A. Tenancy Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tenant Name(s) | [FULL NAME(S) OF ALL TENANTS] |
| Property Address | [COMPLETE ADDRESS] |
| Lease Commencement | [DATE] |
| Lease Expiration/Move-Out | [DATE] |
| Monthly Rent | $[AMOUNT] |
| Security Deposit Paid | $[AMOUNT] |
| Date Deposit Paid | [DATE] |
| Pet Deposit (if applicable) | $[AMOUNT] |
| Tenant Age (if 62 or older) | [AGE] |
| Total Deposits Paid | $[TOTAL] |
B. Move-Out Circumstances
Notice Provided:
- Date Notice Given: [DATE]
- Notice Period: [NUMBER] days
- Method of Delivery: [ ] Hand-delivered [ ] Certified mail [ ] Email
Move-Out Details:
- Date Keys Returned: [DATE]
- Forwarding Address Provided: [ ] Yes [ ] No
- Date Forwarding Address Provided: [DATE]
- Move-Out Inspection: [ ] Requested [ ] Conducted [ ] Refused by Landlord [ ] Not offered
C. Condition of Premises at Move-Out
Our Client left the premises in the following condition:
[ ] Clean and in good repair - The premises were left in substantially the same condition as when our Client took possession, reasonable wear and tear excepted.
[ ] Professionally cleaned - Our Client hired [CLEANING COMPANY NAME] to professionally clean the premises on [DATE].
[ ] All personal property removed - All of our Client's personal belongings were removed from the premises.
[ ] No damage beyond normal wear and tear - Any changes to the premises were the result of normal, expected use during the tenancy.
[ ] Move-in/Move-out photos - Our Client has photographic documentation of the condition of the premises at both move-in and move-out.
III. LANDLORD'S VIOLATIONS
You have violated Connecticut law in the following ways:
[ ] Failure to Return Deposit: You have failed to return any portion of the security deposit within the statutory period required under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(d).
[ ] Failure to Provide Itemization: You have failed to provide a written, itemized statement of damages within the statutory period.
[ ] Failure to Pay Interest: You have failed to pay interest on the security deposit as required by Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(i).
[ ] Excessive Security Deposit: You collected a security deposit exceeding the statutory limit in violation of Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(b).
[ ] Failure to Maintain Escrow Account: You failed to maintain the deposit in a proper escrow account as required by Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(h).
[ ] Failure to Disclose Bank Information: You failed to provide the name and address of the financial institution holding the deposit.
[ ] Improper Deductions: You have made deductions that are not permitted by law, including:
- [ ] Deductions for normal wear and tear
- [ ] Deductions for pre-existing conditions
- [ ] Deductions exceeding actual cost of repairs
- [ ] Other improper deductions: [SPECIFY]
[ ] Willful Noncompliance: You have willfully failed to comply with the security deposit requirements, as evidenced by: [DESCRIBE]
IV. NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR
Connecticut law distinguishes between "damage" for which a tenant may be charged and "normal wear and tear" for which a tenant may not be charged. Normal wear and tear includes deterioration that results from the intended use of the premises and ordinary operation of natural forces over time.
The following items, if deducted, constitute normal wear and tear and are NOT permissible deductions:
[ ] Minor scuff marks on walls from furniture
[ ] Small nail holes from hanging pictures
[ ] Worn carpet in traffic areas
[ ] Faded paint or wallpaper
[ ] Minor scratches on hardwood floors
[ ] Worn finish on bathroom fixtures
[ ] Slightly dirty mini-blinds
[ ] Dust or minor dirt requiring standard turnover cleaning
[ ] Worn door handles or locks
[ ] Other: [SPECIFY]
V. DAMAGES AND PENALTIES
A. Return of Security Deposit
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | $[AMOUNT] |
| Pet Deposit | $[AMOUNT] |
| Other Deposits | $[AMOUNT] |
| Total Deposits Due | $[AMOUNT] |
B. Interest Due
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(i), landlords must pay interest on security deposits:
Interest Calculation:
- Principal: $[DEPOSIT AMOUNT]
- Duration of Tenancy: [MONTHS/YEARS]
- Applicable Interest Rate: [RATE]%
- Interest Due: $[AMOUNT]
C. Statutory Penalties - Double Damages
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(d), if a landlord fails to return the security deposit or provide an itemized statement within the required time, the tenant may recover:
- Twice the amount of the security deposit
Penalty Calculation:
- Security Deposit: $[AMOUNT]
- Double Damages (2x): $[AMOUNT]
- Total Penalty: $[AMOUNT]
D. Additional Penalty for Failure to Pay Interest
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(i), if a landlord willfully fails to pay required interest, the tenant may recover twice the interest amount due.
E. Attorney's Fees and Costs
Under Connecticut law, a tenant who prevails in an action for violation of the security deposit statute is entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees.
F. Total Demand
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | $[AMOUNT] |
| Other Deposits | $[AMOUNT] |
| Accrued Interest | $[AMOUNT] |
| Statutory Penalty (2x deposit) | $[AMOUNT] |
| Attorney's Fees to Date | $[AMOUNT] |
| TOTAL DEMAND | $[AMOUNT] |
VI. EVIDENCE IN OUR POSSESSION
Our Client has preserved the following evidence to support this claim:
[ ] Original lease agreement
[ ] Receipt or cancelled check for security deposit payment
[ ] Move-in inspection report/checklist
[ ] Move-out inspection report/checklist
[ ] Photographs of premises at move-in (dated)
[ ] Photographs of premises at move-out (dated)
[ ] Video walkthrough at move-out
[ ] Copy of written notice to vacate
[ ] Proof of delivery of notice and forwarding address
[ ] Receipts for professional cleaning
[ ] Correspondence with landlord regarding deposit
[ ] Landlord's itemized statement (if provided)
[ ] Documentation of interest payments (or lack thereof)
[ ] Witness statements regarding condition of premises
[ ] Utility final bills showing service through move-out date
[ ] Other: [SPECIFY]
VII. DEMAND
We hereby demand that you take the following actions within fourteen (14) days of the date of this letter:
-
Return of Deposit: Pay to our Client the full amount of the security deposit: $[AMOUNT]
-
Accrued Interest: Pay to our Client all accrued interest: $[AMOUNT]
-
Statutory Penalties: Pay to our Client the statutory penalty for noncompliance: $[AMOUNT]
-
Total Payment: The total amount due is $[TOTAL AMOUNT]
Payment should be made by certified check or money order, payable to [TENANT NAME], and sent to:
[LAW FIRM NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
Reference: [TENANT NAME] Security Deposit
VIII. CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE
If you fail to comply with this demand within the time specified, we are authorized and prepared to:
-
File Suit: Commence legal action in Connecticut Small Claims Court (for claims up to $5,000) or Superior Court for return of the deposit, double damages, interest, attorney's fees, and costs.
-
Seek Maximum Penalties: Request the court impose double damages pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 47a-21(d).
-
Seek Attorney's Fees: Request the court award reasonable attorney's fees.
-
Report Violations: Report your conduct to:
- Connecticut Attorney General - Consumer Protection Division
- Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
- Connecticut Fair Housing Center
- Better Business Bureau -
Judgment Enforcement: Upon obtaining judgment, pursue all legal means of collection, including garnishment, levy, and lien on property.
IX. RESPONSE REQUESTED
Please respond to this demand in writing within fourteen (14) days. Your response should include:
- Your position on the amount owed to our Client
- Any documentation supporting claimed deductions
- Payment or a good-faith settlement offer
If we do not receive a satisfactory response, we will file suit without further notice.
X. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
This letter is written without prejudice to any and all rights and remedies available to our Client under applicable law, all of which are expressly reserved. Our Client does not waive any claims, defenses, or rights by sending this letter or by any subsequent negotiations.
Respectfully submitted,
[LAW FIRM NAME]
By: _________________________________
[ATTORNEY NAME]
[CONNECTICUT BAR NUMBER]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
[TELEPHONE]
[EMAIL]
Attorneys for [TENANT FULL NAME]
ENCLOSURES:
[ ] Copy of lease agreement
[ ] Copy of security deposit receipt
[ ] Move-in/move-out photographs
[ ] Copy of notice to vacate
[ ] Copy of forwarding address notification
[ ] Copy of landlord's itemization (if any)
[ ] Cleaning receipts
[ ] Authorization to represent
cc: [TENANT NAME]
[PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY, if applicable]
[PROPERTY OWNER, if different from addressee]
[CLIENT FILE]
CONNECTICUT SECURITY DEPOSIT QUICK REFERENCE
| Element | Connecticut Requirement |
|---|---|
| Governing Statute | Conn. Gen. Stat. Sections 47a-21 through 47a-22a |
| Deposit Limit | 2 months' rent (1 month if tenant 62+) |
| Return Deadline | 30 days (or 15 days after receiving forwarding address, if later) |
| Itemization Required | Yes |
| Receipts Required | Yes, supporting documentation |
| Interest Required | Yes - savings deposit rate |
| Separate Account Required | Yes - escrow account |
| Penalty for Violation | 2x deposit amount |
| Attorney's Fees | Yes |
| Small Claims Limit | $5,000 |
CONNECTICUT-SPECIFIC PRACTICE NOTES
[ ] Interest Requirement: Connecticut is one of the few states requiring interest on security deposits. Calculate and claim all unpaid interest.
[ ] Senior Citizen Protection: Tenants 62 and older can only be charged one month's rent as a security deposit. Verify tenant's age if applicable.
[ ] Escrow Account Required: The landlord must hold the deposit in an escrow account and disclose the bank information. Failure to do so is a violation.
[ ] 30/15 Day Rule: The deadline is 30 days after move-out OR 15 days after receiving the forwarding address, whichever is later. Track both dates.
[ ] Double Damages: Connecticut provides for double the deposit amount as a penalty - this is automatic for violations, not requiring proof of bad faith.
[ ] Small Claims Limit: Connecticut's small claims limit is $5,000, which may be lower than the total claim with penalties. Consider Superior Court for larger claims.
[ ] Housing Courts: Some Connecticut cities have housing courts with specialized judges. Check local court procedures.
[ ] Subsidized Housing: Additional federal and state rules may apply to subsidized housing units.
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Security deposit laws may vary by locality. Consult a licensed Connecticut attorney before use.