Connecticut Landlord Responsibilities for Habitability

Connecticut Landlord Responsibilities for Habitability

Last Updated: February 24, 2023

Connecticut legally requires landlords to meet certain “habitability” requirements for all rental properties. This means that they’re responsible for providing a property that meets specific health and safety standards and for fixing issues that violate them.

Connecticut Implied Warranty of Habitability

In Connecticut, the implied warranty of habitability means that a landlord must provide and maintain a safe and habitable rental property. “Implied” means the requirement applies whether or not the lease agreement specifically says so and even if the lease tries to waive the obligation.

Examples of clear habitability violations include:

    • Exposed electrical wiring.
    • A pipe leaking human waste.
    • A broken front doorknob that won’t lock.

However, the implied warranty of habitability does not guarantee that anything at the property will be pretty, clean, new or issue-free, so it doesn’t cover things like peeling carpet or dents in a wall. It only guarantees basic health and safety.

Landlord Responsibilities in Connecticut

Note: Check local city/county laws and ordinances for additional requirements.

Item Has To Provide? Has To Fix / Replace?
Air Conditioning / Heating Only Heating Only If Provided
Hot Water Yes Yes
Kitchen Appliances No Only If Provided
Washer & Dryer No Only If Provided
Smoke/CO Detectors Yes Yes
Window Coverings No No
Light Fixtures No No
Landscaping Not Addressed Not Addressed
Garbage Removal Yes Yes
Garbage Pickup Yes Yes
Mold N/A Yes
Pest Control No N/A
Pest Infestations N/A Yes
Water Leaks N/A Sometimes
Clogs N/A Sometimes

Landlord Responsibilities for Heating & Air Conditioning in Connecticut

Connecticut landlords are responsible for providing heating year-round, although there is a recent court case suggesting that a broken furnace in July isn’t enough to establish a habitability issue. Landlords don’t have to provide air conditioning.

Are Landlords Required to Provide Air Filter Replacements in Connecticut?

Connecticut landlords don’t have to replace things like air filters, unless heating equipment won’t work otherwise.

Landlord Responsibilities for Plumbing in Connecticut

Connecticut landlords must keep plumbing in good and safe working order.

Are Landlords Required To Provide Hot Water in Connecticut?

Connecticut landlords must provide and maintain running heated water for rental properties.

Are Landlords Responsible for Fixing Clogged Drains & Toilets in Connecticut?

Connecticut landlords are responsible for fixing clogs that keep the plumbing from being in good and safe working order. Tenants only have to fix damage caused by their own deliberate acts.

Are Landlords in Connecticut Responsible for Fixing Leaks?

Connecticut landlords are responsible for fixing leaks that keep the plumbing from being in good and safe working order. Tenants only have to fix damage caused by their own deliberate acts.

Landlord Responsibilities for Kitchen Appliances in Connecticut

Connecticut landlords don’t have to provide or maintain kitchen appliances such as a dishwasher, stove, oven, microwave, or refrigerator. However, if the landlord provides such appliances, the landlord has to keep them in good and safe working order.

Landlord Responsibilities for Electrical Issues in Connecticut

Connecticut landlords must keep electrical service in good and working order on the premises.

Are Landlords Responsible for Replacing Light Bulbs in Connecticut?

Connecticut landlords are not responsible for replacing light bulbs or particular light fixtures, except ones that are part of a provided appliance.

Landlord Responsibilities for Garbage Removal in Connecticut

Connecticut landlords must provide and maintain garbage containers and garbage removal services.

Landlord Responsibilities for Landscaping in Connecticut

Connecticut landlords have no specific obligation to provide landscaping or maintain it with actions like cutting grass. They only have to deal with issues like fallen trees if they interfere with the cleanliness of common areas, violate local codes, or create a hazard to health and safety.

Landlord Responsibilities Regarding Mold in Connecticut

Connecticut landlords are responsible for most mold issues. While there’s no state requirement for testing, landlords must investigate and fix mold problems since they threaten health and safety. The only exception is if the renter’s deliberate actions caused the issue.

Landlord Responsibilities Regarding Pests in Connecticut

Connecticut landlords are responsible for fixing pest issues the renter didn’t deliberately cause, including rats, roaches, mice, and ants. Bedbugs have specific requirements: the law requires a landlord to begin a special, detailed testing and treatment process within five business days of a reported infestation.

Landlord Responsibilities for Windows & Window Coverings in Connecticut

Connecticut landlords have no specific responsibility to provide or maintain particular types of window or window covering, except what’s required by local codes or basic health and safety.

Landlord Responsibilities Regarding Safety Devices in Connecticut

Connecticut landlords are responsible for providing working smoke detectors and required carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

Are Landlords Responsible for Replacing Batteries of Safety Devices in Connecticut?

Connecticut landlords must supply required safety devices, so the landlord is also legally responsible for replacing their batteries as necessary.

Landlord Responsibilities for Washers and Dryers in Connecticut

Connecticut landlords are not required to furnish rental properties with a working washer or dryer. However, if the landlord supplies them, he has to fix them if they stop working properly.

Renter’s Rights for Repairs in Connecticut

Connecticut renters have the right to repairs for issues affecting health and safety, unless they deliberately or carelessly caused the issue themselves. To exercise their right, the renter must start by notifying the landlord of the issue in writing. The landlord gets 15 days after notice to fix the issue.

If the issue isn’t fixed, the renter can end the rental agreement, or ask a court to order repairs, monetary damages, or a rent abatement. However, the renter isn’t allowed to withhold the rent unilaterally, or repair and deduct outside of special cases.

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