Connecticut Tenant Rights
Connecticut's landlord/tenant law, codified in Title 47a of Connecticut's general statues, sets forth the rights between landlords and their tenants. As a tenant, it is critical that you understand your rights and obligations. Only through knowledge can you make reasoned decisions about whether to terminate a lease, enforce a provision in the lease, or otherwise protect yourself from prohibited conduct.
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Lease Agreement Governs
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Typically, the lease agreement between the tenant and the landlord governs the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved. The lease agreement can specify how rent is to be paid, what the landlord is responsible for in terms of maintenance and grounds keeping, and sets forth your duties. Tenants, however, should consult the lease for specific information.
Cash Rent and Tenancy Terms
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If a tenant pays the rent in cash, the tenant is entitled to a receipt from the landlord. The receipt should list the amount of cash given and include a statement acknowledging that the money was for rent. Tenants are wise to receive a receipt; they can prove that the paid rent by showing receipts. The time that rent is paid determines the length of the tenancy unless a different length is stated in the lease. Therefore, if rent is paid on the first of every month, the tenancy lasts for one month and the tenant is entitled to one month notice before an eviction proceeding.
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Right to Habitable Conditions
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Tenants have the right to live in a clean and sanitary dwelling. Therefore, the landlord must ensure that the electricity works, the heating works (especially in the winter), the toilet works, and that garbage and waste is removed. This also ensures that the landlord will not shut off or refuse such services (so as to force the tenant out of the premises). Under this section, the landlord must keep the common areas clean.
Right to Peaceful Enjoyment
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Connecticut landlord/tenant law also prescribes that tenants have the right to "peaceful enjoyment." This means that the tenant can prevent other tenants from playing music that is too loud or creating other forms of nuisance (such as excessive smoke or odors). The tenant can also call attention to illegal activity on the rental premises and ask that the landlord take necessary steps to prevent such activity.
Rights if Landlord Breaches Agreement
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For breaches that affect health and safety, the tenant can notify the landlord (in writing) and ask the landlord to correct the problem. If the landlord fails to correct the issue in 15 days, the lease terminates and the tenant does not have to pay rent. If the problem recurs six months later, the tenant can terminate the lease by giving the landlord written notice. If a landlord fails to provide "essential services" (such as hot water or gas), the tenant, after notifying the landlord in writing, can deduct the cost of getting those services from the rent, and in some instances recover two months worth or rent.
Disclaimer
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Connecticut landlord/tenant law is lengthy and complex. The information above is provided as a brief overview and is in now way exhaustive. Do not rely on this article for legal advice. The purpose of this article is informative only. Seek legal counsel for issues arising out of a landlord/tenant agreement.
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References
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