Housing assistance in Connecticut

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Connecticut

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Connecticut

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

Up to 2 months' rent for tenants under 62. Up to 1 month's rent for tenants 62 or older, and a tenant who turns 62 after paying a larger deposit can ask for the excess back. The deposit must be held in an escrow account and earns interest.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(b), (h), (i)

Deposit return deadline

Within 21 days after the tenancy ends or 15 days after receiving the tenant's written forwarding address, whichever is later, the landlord must return the deposit plus accrued interest, minus any damages listed in an itemized written statement. A landlord who violates this rule is liable for twice the deposit.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

Rent is not late for eviction purposes until a 9-day grace period has passed (4 days for week-to-week tenancies). Since January 1, 2026, the grace period is extended by 5 days if the landlord's online payment system prevented payment. After that, the landlord must have a proper officer serve a written notice to quit that gives at least 3 days, and the state's Right to Counsel notice must be attached.

Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 47a-15a, 47a-23, 47a-75

Landlord entry notice

The landlord must give reasonable written or oral notice and may enter only at reasonable times. No notice is needed in an emergency. Otherwise, the landlord may enter without the tenant's consent only with a court order, during a long absence the tenant reported, or if the tenant has abandoned the unit.

Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 47a-16, 47a-16a

Rent increases and rent control

No statewide cap. Local fair rent commissions can hear complaints about, and order changes to, excessive rents and fees. Under Nov. Sp. Sess. P.A. 25-1 (effective January 1, 2026), every municipality with 15,000 or more residents must create a commission or join a joint or regional one by January 1, 2028. Landlords must give at least 45 days' written notice of a rent increase.

Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 7-148b to 7-148f; § 47a-4e

If the landlord won’t make repairs

There is no general repair-and-deduct remedy. If the landlord fails to provide heat, water, electricity or another essential service, the tenant may, after giving notice, pay for the service and deduct the cost from rent, or get substitute housing (allowed if service is not restored within 48 hours). For other code violations, a tenant who reported the problem to the local housing code agency at least 21 days earlier can sue in housing court and pay rent to the court instead of the landlord.

Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 47a-13, 47a-14h

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Connecticut

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Connecticut resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. Chapter 831 - Security Deposits (§ 47a-21)Connecticut General Assembly
2. Chapter 831 - 2026 SupplementConnecticut General Assembly
3. Chapter 830 - Rights and Responsibilities of Landlord and TenantConnecticut General Assembly
4. Chapter 830 - 2026 Supplement (§ 47a-15a)Connecticut General Assembly
5. Chapter 832 - Summary Process, 2026 Supplement (§ 47a-23)Connecticut General Assembly
6. Chapter 834 - Right to Counsel (§ 47a-75)Connecticut General Assembly
7. Chapter 98 - Fair Rent Commissions, 2026 Supplement (§ 7-148b)Connecticut General Assembly
8. Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)Connecticut Department of Social Services
9. EvictionHelpCT.org - Right to CounselConnecticut Bar Foundation
10. CTLawHelp - EvictionsCTLawHelp
11. 2-1-1 ConnecticutUnited Way of Connecticut
12. Hartford Housing AuthorityHartford Housing Authority
13. Elm City CommunitiesHousing Authority of New Haven
14. Park City CommunitiesPark City Communities
15. Charter Oak CommunitiesCharter Oak Communities