Connecticut has many rules and statutes regulating its housing market. These must be fully considered when preparing an application for rental properties in the state.
Application Fee
Landlords can charge any fee they choose for a rental application, as these are not limited by Connecticut statutes. The fee that is paid is also non-refundable to the tenant.
Security Deposit
CT statute § 47a-21(14)(b) states that you may charge a maximum of 2 months’ rent as a security deposit if tenants are under 62 years of age. However, anyone older than 62 years who rents your property in Connecticut may only be charged a maximum of 1 month’s rent.
Housing Discrimination Law
Connecticut has no specific statutes policing housing discrimination. Nevertheless, the Fair Housing Act (FHA), is enshrined in federal law meaning that landlords may not refuse a tenant for discriminatory reasons.
Under the FHA you may not reject a tenant application for reasons such as their race, religion, sex, family status, or because they have any disabilities. You may also not discriminate against their criminal history (whether or not a background check is carried out) or nationality.
Notice of Eligibility
Potential tenants must be informed about the screening criteria and reasons for possible denial or approval in advance. To prove that this information has been shared, a signature of acknowledgment must be provided within the application or alongside it.
Consent Credit Check
The Federal Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) stipulates that potential tenants must agree to any credit checks you require. To show they consent, they must provide written acknowledgment on the application form.