Our goal is to facilitate a smooth transition for you and your family. This means finding a comfortable rental home in the shortest time period and with the least inconvenience. With this in mind, we have outlined important information about what you can expect when you rent in Connecticut.

 

Agency - Prudential Connecticut Realty offers tenant representation for our customers seeking a rental property. In this rental market, it is important that you see all available rental properties. Signing an "exclusive right to represent" form upon your first meeting with your Prudential sales executive will allow this.

Lead Time - Thirty days is a guideline for the time recommended to plan your move and secure a rental property. If you wish to begin your search earlier, be prepared to secure a lease and pay rent for the period of time prior to your actual move. Owners typically do not hold properties for prospective tenants. The rental market in Connecticut fluctuates daily. Once you have chosen a primary area of focus, you should be prepared to act quickly. Keep in mind, that you will probably not be the only person considering a given rental property. Greater demand than supply gives property owners the opportunity to be selective in their choice of tenants.

Leases - A lease agreement is a document that sets down the terms and rules between the landlord (property owner) and tenant. This is a legal contract in effect, while the tenant lives in the rental unit.

Lead Paint Disclosure - Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not taken care of properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling. Tenants also must receive a federally approved pamphlet on lead poisoning prevention.

Application Process - Because there are often more prospective renters than available units, most property owners require the following to help them select a tenant:

• Application - The application will request personal information, such as past addresses, former names, addresses and phone numbers.
• Credit Check - The credit check is done at the renter's expense and is intended to determine your ability and faithfulness to pay the required rent. Employment history and verification of income also contribute to this determination.
  
• Personal Character References - While not often requested, having a reference or two will help a property owner consider your application. Letters of reference from previous landlords are particularly important.
  
• Dress to Impress - First impressions are critical. A neat and clean appearance will help a prospective landlord accept you as a tenant.
  
• Security Deposit - A security deposit is given by the tenant to the landlord to "secure" the tenant's performance under the terms of the lease. The security deposit is required to cover costs in case of unpaid rent and costs to repair tenant-caused damages in excess of normal wear and tear to the property.

Utilities - Electricity, cable, heat (gas or oil), hot water and phone are all utilities. The policies regarding whether a landlord or tenant pays for utilities varies from property to property. Typically, tenants will pay their own phone, cable and electricity expenses. Some landlords will include the expense for heat and hot water in your rent payment. Others make heat and hot water the tenant's responsibilities. Prior to signing a lease, review the particular utility policies with your landlord. You will need to coordinate your move with local utility companies to ensure that your utilities will be turned on and available the day you move. Please see What to Bring With You.

Pets - Apartment complexes are the most receptive to pet owners. Most complexes allow for indoor cats. Some allow small dogs and a few allow large dogs (over 35 lbs). Pet owners may wish to start their rental search a little bit earlier than our recommended 30 days. Properties that do allow pets often charge a one-time pet deposit and sometimes will charge an additional monthly pet fee.

Short-term Rentals - A 12-month lease is standard in Connecticut. However, renters can sometimes find lease term options of three, six or nine months. Rarely, some property owners will offer a month-to-month term. Expect to pay a bit more per month on a short-term lease compared to a 12-month lease.

 

Unfurnished/Furnished - Many apartment complexes offer a limited number of furnished units. Occasionally, single-family homes are offered fully furnished as well. These properties are rented primarily as temporary housing, and are often offered with, but not limited to, a short-term lease (see above). Most rental properties are unfurnished.