Where Can I Get Rent Assistance or Eviction Help in Connecticut?

CTLawHelp.org is a free self-help website built by several Connecticut legal aid groups. It has plain-language legal information on evictions, security deposits, rent increases, discrimination, and utilities (water, electric, gas). A free live chat can help you find what you need. Visit ctlawhelp.org.

Connecticut's Right to Counsel Program gives free, experienced lawyers to renters who may qualify, if they face eviction or losing a housing subsidy. Visit evictionhelpct.org and answer a few questions to find out if a lawyer is available in your town. If your town is not yet covered, you can still call the program's hotline for advice. The Connecticut Bar Foundation runs Eviction Help CT.

Connecticut's Court Service Centers help self-represented parties, meaning anyone in a court case without a lawyer. They are inside Judicial District Courthouses and open in most locations on weekdays from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, except legal holidays. Email Court.ServiceCenter@jud.ct.gov with questions.

Dial 2-1-1 anywhere in Connecticut for free, private help finding human services near you. From outside Connecticut, dial 1-800-203-1234 instead. The line runs 24 hours a day and in many languages. 211 also lists open Section 8 housing waiting lists. 211 is a program of United Way of Connecticut, supported by the state and local United Ways.

If your landlord will not return your security deposit, you can file a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Banking. Call 860-240-8170, or toll free 1-800-831-7225, or use its online Consumer Assistance Form. The department looks into rental security deposit complaints and can send your landlord's case to the Attorney General's Office.

Connecticut's Department of Housing offers rental assistance (money to help pay rent) through its Rental Assistance Program (RAP). RAP helps low income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford safe, clean housing. The state pays a monthly rent subsidy straight to your landlord. The RAP waiting list is closed right now. Register online to be notified by email when the waiting list opens.