Connecticut Repair Damages Claimed Letter
Landlords in Connecticut are legally allowed to make deductions on a Tenant's security deposit only to cover unpaid rent, major damages that go beyond the usual wear and tear and costs incurred due to breach of lease agreement such as unpaid utility bills. After the property occupant moves out of the rented unit, the landlord has 30 days to send the tenant full security deposit or an itemized list of all deductions along with receipts and the remaining balance.
The tenant is not liable for any minor damages resulting from regular usage of the rented property. Minor wear and tear such as carpet wearing out, fading of blinds and paint peeling off aren't the liability of the tenant and cannot be deducted from their security deposit. Broken towel bars, broken furniture, collapsed ceilings are examples of damages beyond the common wear and tear where the landlords are legally allowed by Connecticut landlord/tenant laws to make deductions.
It is your right as a Connecticut tenant to make a legal claim in court if you feel that the landlord is withholding your security deposit or making unnecessary deductions. However, your first priority should be to send a professionally written letter addressing your concerns over the wrongful deductions. Your letter should first acknowledge receiving the landlord's itemized list of deductions and also clearly address your disputes and why you are disputing them. It is always important to document and put everything in writing to have proof in case the matter ends up in court.
This Damages Claim Dispute Letter clearly highlights the landlord-tenant laws of Connecticut regarding withholding security deposit and the potential consequences of failing to observe this law. A clear and well-written letter is often all it takes it takes to resolve the dispute and get back your rightful security deposit without the need to take the matter to the courts. Be sure to make yourself a copy of the letter and send it through certified mail to be sure it's delivered and get a receipt and details of the delivery.
