Landlord Heating Requirements Connecticut
Landlords in Connecticut (the Tri-State area) have a legal obligation to provide heat and hot water to their tenants.
The most common question being asked is, “When are landlords supposed to turn on the heat in connecticut?”
Connecticut law requires landlords to supply heat and hot water where the lease includes them. The state does not set a heating season or minimum temperature; these are set and enforced by your city or town’s housing code office. In Hartford, call (860) 543-8571; elsewhere, contact your town or city hall.
A failure to maintain a working heat and hot water system may result in significant financial penalties. Renting a temporary boiler is one way for building owners to stay in compliance with heating regulations.
Connecticut Tenant Rights and Landlord Obligations
Disclaimer: Chart meant for reference only. Check directly with jurisdiction to confirm.
| JURISDICTION | HEATING REGULATION | HOT WATER REGULATION | FINES |
|---|---|---|---|
| CONNECTICUT | Set by each city or town's housing code. Check your local municipality code for more information | Set by each city or town's housing code. Check your local municipality code for more information | • Notice to Landlord: Tenants can give notice to the landlord specifying the breach and may elect to procure reasonable amounts of essential services during the period of non-compliance and deduct the actual and reasonable cost from the rent. • Substitute Housing: 48 hours (Public Act 17-171); immediately if the same service fails again within six months • Legal Action: If the landlord willfully fails to provide an essential service, tenants may terminate the rental agreement and recover an amount not more than two months’ rent or double the actual damages sustained (https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/common-elements/consumer-facts-and-contacts/heat----provided-to-tenants) . |
Preparing For Heating Season in Connecticut
Learn key steps to prep industrial, commercial and residential buildings for winter season in Connecticut