Connecticut Small Claims for a Security Deposit: Where to File, What It Costs, Does It Fit
In Connecticut, a security deposit claim is heard by Superior Court (Small Claims Session); the court for your county is listed below. The comparable deposit claim limit varies by court. The filing fee in 3 of 3 listed counties with a comparable amount is $95. Pick your county, calculate your deadline, then send a dated letter.
State law last checked .
Filing facts
| Court | Superior Court (Small Claims Session) · Court source |
|---|---|
| Listed limits and jurisdictions | $5,000 (Superior Court small claims session (general claims)); $15,000 (home improvement / new home construction contracts only) |
| Comparable deposit claim limit | Security deposit claims may invoke a special double-damages rule that makes the general claim limit noncomparable. |
| Time limit to sue, from state data | 6 years; check when the claim accrued before counting from it. |
| Listed county filing fees | The filing fee in 3 of 3 listed counties with a comparable amount is $95. |
| E-filing | 3 yes, 0 no, 0 unverified among 3 listed counties |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Deposit statute | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21 |
Which county is the rental in?
Does your claim fit the limit?
No comparable statewide deposit claim limit is available: Security deposit claims may invoke a special double-damages rule that makes the general claim limit noncomparable. Choose your county and confirm the applicable court limit.
From a letter to court
- Calculate the return date and send a letter using your own move-out date, deposit and state conditions.
- Keep the letter, delivery proof, lease, payment records and photos.
- Use your county guide and court's official instructions to check the filing location and fee.
Calculate your deadline and next letter
Your free letter
Get a DOCX letter with the dates and amount you entered.
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| ordinary path when tenant has provided forwarding address (or later of 21 days after termination or 15 days after written forwarding address, whichever is later) | 21 days | after termination of a tenancy |
| applies when this later date is after the 21-day post-termination period; statutory rule is the later of 21 days after termination or 15 days after written forwarding address | 15 days | after landlord receives written notification of tenant's forwarding address |
Connecticut return rule: 21 calendar days (ordinary path when tenant has provided forwarding address (or later of 21 days after termination or 15 days after written forwarding address, whichever is later)). Check the dates you entered above.
Free Connecticut template, built from verified state data
I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Connecticut law (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21), a landlord must return the deposit or respond in writing within [21 calendar days / 15 calendar days, see the note above] after [the event listed in the note above].
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
How to file
Forms: Court forms and filing information
File online: Yes
Statewide filing fee: Small claims $95; Small claims counterclaim $95 (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-259(b); Judicial Branch fee table revised effective September 21, 2023).
How papers are served:
- constable or sheriff
- private process server
Attorneys allowed: Yes
Time until a hearing: The magistrate has 45 days to make a decision.
Small claims Small claims counterclaim $95 $95 52-259(b)
Who do you name in the claim?
Compare the name on the lease and deposit receipt with the property record and the Connecticut Secretary of the State. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant. Confirm the defendant with the court or legal aid.
What to bring to the clerk
- Lease and deposit receipt or payment record.
- Demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos, inventory and any itemized deductions.
- Your calculation and the cited deposit statute.
What you can recover
landlord liable for twice the amount of any security deposit paid; if the only violation is failure to deliver accrued interest, liability is $10 or twice the accrued interest, whichever is greater Bad faith required: No.
This is class P1, found in 36 of 51 jurisdictions. Computed from cited state records, not measured outcomes.
Statute says
Any landlord who violates any provision of this subsection shall be liable for twice the amount of any security deposit paid by such tenant, except that, if the only violation is the failure to deliver the accrued interest, such landlord shall be liable for ten dollars or twice the amount of the accrued interest, whichever is greater.
What this means
Tenant resources
FAQ
Which court handles a security deposit claim in Connecticut?
Superior Court (Small Claims Session). Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
What is the deposit claim limit in Connecticut?
Security deposit claims may invoke a special double-damages rule that makes the general claim limit noncomparable.
What is the return deadline in Connecticut?
21 calendar days (ordinary path when tenant has provided forwarding address (or later of 21 days after termination or 15 days after written forwarding address, whichever is later)) or 15 calendar days (applies when this later date is after the 21-day post-termination period; statutory rule is the later of 21 days after termination or 15 days after written forwarding address)