CT Rent Increase Notice: The 45-Day Rule Every Landlord Must Follow

Before October 2024, many Connecticut landlords operated on a 30-day notice window for rent increases. That's now insufficient for most lease types.

Connecticut law (PA 24-143) requires landlords to give tenants at least 45 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect for standard lease renewals. This went into effect October 1, 2024.

What Changed and Why It Matters

If you send a 30-day notice today for a lease renewal with a rent increase, your tenant can legally reject the increase — and you'd have to restart the clock or accept the old rate. The law applies to rental agreements entered into, renewed, or extended on or after October 1, 2024.

Notice Requirements by Lease Type

• Year-long leases (most common): 45 days' written notice before the increase takes effect
• Month-to-month leases: Notice equal to one full month (30 days)
• Week-to-week leases: Notice equal to one full week
• During active lease term: Rent increases are not permitted regardless of notice

What Written Notice Actually Means

The law specifies written notice but doesn't mandate a specific format. Best practice is a signed letter delivered via certified mail or hand-delivered with a signed acknowledgment. Email is legally murky — don't rely on it alone.

The notice must clearly state the new rent amount and the date it takes effect. A vague "we may increase your rent" notice does not satisfy the statute.

Silence Is Not Consent

The law explicitly states that a tenant's failure to respond to the rent increase notice does not constitute agreement to the increase. The tenant must affirmatively agree to renew at the new rate.

Protected Tenants Have Additional Rights

Connecticut provides extra protections for tenants over age 62 or with disabilities living in buildings with 5 or more units. For these tenants, rent increases must be fair and equitable as determined by local Fair Rent Commission standards.

The Bottom Line for CT Landlords

Build a compliance calendar. For every lease renewal with a rate increase, count back 45 days from the intended effective date. Miss that window and you're either locked into the old rate or facing a delayed increase.

Managing compliance across multiple CT properties is exactly what vetted local property managers do. PropMatchCT connects you with firms that are up to date on every notice requirement, fee cap, and eviction rule.