Connecticut Security Deposit Remedies

Section 47a-21 provides a significant civil remedy for violations of the deposit-return and itemization requirements: liability can be twice the amount of the security deposit paid. The statute uses a different remedy when the only violation is failure to deliver accrued interest.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20262 official sources cited

Potential civil liability2× deposit

Applies to violations of the return/itemization subsection, subject to the statutory facts and court determination.

Interest-only violationDifferent formula

The statute uses $10 or twice the accrued interest, whichever is greater.

Do not label a case automatically

Whether a remedy is available depends on the facts, including termination, forwarding-address notice, timing and what the landlord delivered. RentBillCheck surfaces the rule but does not decide liability.

Forwarding-address timing matters. Connecticut’s ordinary 21-day rule must be read together with the written forwarding-address provision. Educational information only.

Official sources

Connecticut General AssemblyConn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21 — Security deposits ↗

Current 2026 supplement governing Connecticut security deposits, caps, forwarding-address timing, itemization, escrow, interest and remedies.

Connecticut Department of BankingRental Security Deposits — Key Issues and Guidance ↗

Current official agency guidance, including the 2026 interest rate, 21-day return rule and forwarding-address guidance.

Related Connecticut guides

Security Deposit →21-Day Rule →Deposit Limits →Forwarding Address →