Make a Connecticut Lease Agreement

Most Commonly Used Connecticut Lease Agreements

The most commonly used Connecticut lease agreements include a commercial lease agreement, a standard residential lease agreement, a month-to-month lease, lease to own, roommate agreement, and a sublease agreement.

While all of the most commonly used Connecticut lease agreements share most of the same elements, they do have some distinct differences. For example:

• A roommate agreement generally explains which areas in the rental are for the exclusive use of the roommate and which areas are communal and may be used by all residents.
• A standard residential lease agreement may be for a year, and when it terminates, it may then become a month-to-month lease or it may automatically renew for another year. Yet, both may require that if either party plans to not renew the lease that they give the other party a 30-day written notice to move out.

How to Write a Connecticut Lease Agreement

Connecticut lease agreements are required to follow Connecticut landlord-tenant laws. Otherwise, they cannot be legally enforced. There are other laws that must be considered. You’ll learn more about those under the sections related to disclosures and deposits.

Before you sign a Connecticut lease agreement, make sure that you carefully read the terms. You may also have an attorney review the Connecticut lease agreement before you sign it.

A Connecticut lease agreement should include:

• Names of the Parties - This includes the landlord's full name or the property management company's legal business name and the full name of the tenant(s).
• The Property Address - This is the full address for the leased space or rental property. Be sure to include the city, zip code, and any lot or unit number.
• Term Information - This is the type of lease agreement the parties agree to enter into. For example, a month-to-month lease or a fixed term. A fixed-term lease means that the parties agree that the tenant will hold possession of the space for a certain amount of time, usually one year. If it is a fixed lease, this section should include the date that the lease will end.
• Rental Amount - This section includes the date that the lease will begin, the amount of the monthly rent, the day of the month that rent is due, and the address where the rent may be paid.
• Late Fees - This section lists any applicable fee that is due if the rent is not paid by a certain date.
• Security Deposit - This section documents the amount of deposit that must be paid in advance of the tenant taking control of the property. A security deposit is used to repair damages caused by the tenant.
• Initial Payment - This section explains the total amount of money that the tenant must pay to move into the rental property. This area should include the amount of the first month's rent, the security deposit, and the total of the two numbers added together.
• Occupants - This section includes the full name of each tenant must be listed even if they are a minor or are not signing the lease for some reason. This part of a Connecticut residential lease agreement establishes who will reside in the residential unit. For commercial space leases, it designates those who have permission to use the space.  If the presence of additional occupants changes the price of the rent, it should be included in this section.
• Utilities - This section notes which utilities or services a tenant does not pay.
• Parking - This section informs the tenant if they will receive a parking space. If a parking space is reserved and there is a designated spot, the spot should be listed in this section.
• Furnishings - This section tells the tenant what they are allowed to install (such as a washing machine or dishwasher) or what they may not install. If the tenant is not allowed to bring their own appliances, that should be designated in this section.
• Notices - This section lists the names of both the landlord and tenant (or property manager) along with their proper address. This contact information should be used if the parties need to send out a notice to the other party for some reason.
• Eviction - This section explains how eviction proceedings would be carried out in the event of nonpayment or breach of other lease terms.
• Additional Terms - In this section, list any other obligations that the parties agreed to that haven't been included in any other section of the lease agreement.
• Signature and Date - The document should be signed and dated by all parties.

Which Disclosures Belong in a Connecticut Lease Agreement?

According to Connecticut landlord-tenant laws, lease agreements must include the following disclosures:

• Whether the residence is part of a common interest community.
• The identity of any person who is an authorized agent of the landlord. Their address must also be included for legal notice.
• A copy of The Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants in CT.
• Access to the property must also be explained. The property owner is required to give reasonable notice to the tenant for access for repairs, inspection, or showing the property.

In addition to the disclosures required by Connecticut law, a disclosure regarding lead-based paint is required by federal law if a housing unit was built before 1978.

What You Need to Know About Connecticut Security Deposits

A Connecticut landlord cannot charge more than two months' rent as a security deposit from persons under the age of 62 years. For those 62 years and older, the landlord may not charge more than one month of rent for a security deposit.

Security deposits must be returned, along with any accrued interest, within 30 days of the landlord reclaiming the property or within 15 days of receiving a forwarding address, whichever is later.