Guiding You Through How To Handle Security Deposit Disputes
Security deposits are an area of landlord and tenant law that is often overlooked but has recently become an important issue in Connecticut because of the current economic climate. If you are a landlord who needs to explain why you are not returning the full amount of a security deposit, or you are a tenant who has not received your deposit back in a timely fashion, you should seek out an attorney who can advise you of your rights and the remedies available to you.
At the law firm of Mark Sank & Associates, LLC, our knowledge of landlord and tenant law allows us to help clients resolve security deposit conflicts. According to Connecticut law, a security deposit cannot be more than the amount of two months of rent if you are under age 62 and one month of rent if you are over 62.
Information About Security Deposits
Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes section 47a-21(d), once a tenant has vacated the premises because their tenancy has been terminated either by the lease ending or because of eviction proceedings they are entitled to have their security deposit returned to them no more than 30 days after they have vacated, plus any interest that has accumulated and less any expenses for damages with a written explanation of the damages.
If funds are not returned or correspondence is not sent to tenants within this timeframe, the landlord may be liable to pay twice the amount of the deposit plus the tenant’s legal fees. We can help you recover your security deposit and this pecuniary punishment if your landlord has not complied with the law or if there is a dispute as to how much is being returned to you.
Likewise, if you are a landlord and your tenant has failed to comply with their obligations as set forth in the lease or there have been damages to the property you may deduct the cost of repairs from the security deposit. These charges must be reasonable and a written statement of the charges assessed must accompany the balance of the security deposit when it is sent to the tenant’s new forwarding address within the statutory time period. Our lawyers can help you draft this letter and review it to make sure your reasons and amounts are valid.
Get Answers To Your Questions Today
Our experience handling both sides of security deposit disputes allows us to be able to foresee and minimize costly, time-consuming litigation. Contact Mark Sank & Associates, LLC online or call us at 203-967-1190 to discuss your security deposit matter. We offer free 30-minute consultations at our Stamford offices.