Does Connecticut Allow Transfer on Death Deeds?
Connecticut does not authorize transfer on death deeds. 4 alternatives are available to transfer real property at death without probate.
Why TOD deeds aren't available in Connecticut
Connecticut has not adopted the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act or any TOD deed statute.
TOD deed bills have been introduced multiple times: HB 5266 (2026 session, "AN ACT ADOPTING THE UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER ON DEATH ACT" — referred to Joint Committee on Judiciary 2/19/2026, public hearing 2/27/2026, no further action and not enacted; 2026 Regular Session adjourned May 6, 2026), HB 6896 and SB 211 (2025 session, died in committee after split testimony from Insurance and Real Estate Committee), SB 117 (2016), HB 5209 (2020). Stakeholders have raised concerns about creditor notice, title insurance compatibility, and undue influence protections. Connecticut also does not recognize Lady Bird (enhanced life estate) deeds, and does not recognize tenancy by the entirety — Conn. Gen. Stat. 47-14a converts an attempted tenancy by the entirety into a joint tenancy with right of survivorship. Connecticut has a small estate affidavit process (Form PC-212) for solely owned personal property up to $40,000 (Conn. Gen. Stat. 45a-273), but it is available only if the decedent had no solely owned Connecticut real property. Out-of-state TOD deeds covering real property located in Connecticut are not given effect — Connecticut applies the law of the situs (lex rei sitae) to real property transfers, and CT has no recognizing statute.
Alternatives for Connecticut
These mechanisms transfer real property at death without probate in Connecticut:
- •
- •Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- •Survivorship deed forms (including survivor life-estate/remainder forms)
- •Life estate deed
Consult a licensed attorney for help choosing the right mechanism for your situation.
Legislation pending
Connecticut legislators have introduced bills to authorize transfer on death deeds. The law has not been enacted as of the verification date (2026-07-13).
Frequently asked questions
Connecticut has not adopted the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act or any TOD deed statute.
Connecticut recognizes 4 alternatives for transferring real property outside of probate: Revocable living trust; Joint tenancy with right of survivorship; Survivorship deed forms (including survivor life-estate/remainder forms); Life estate deed.
No. Real property transfers are governed by the state where the property is located. A TOD deed signed under another state's law has no effect on real property in Connecticut.
Yes. Legislation authorizing transfer on death deeds has been proposed in Connecticut, but is not currently enacted. TOD deed bills have been introduced multiple times: HB 5266 (2026 session, "AN ACT ADOPTING THE UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER ON DEATH ACT" — referred to Joint Committee on Judiciary 2/19/2026, public hearing 2/27/2026, no further action and not enacted; 2026 Regular Session adjourned May 6, 2026), HB 6896 and SB 211 (2025 session, died in committee after split testimony from Insurance and Real Estate Committee), SB 117 (2016), HB 5209 (2020). Stakeholders have raised concerns about creditor notice, title insurance compatibility, and undue influence protections. Connecticut also does not recognize Lady Bird (enhanced life estate) deeds, and does not recognize tenancy by the entirety — Conn. Gen. Stat. 47-14a converts an attempted tenancy by the entirety into a joint tenancy with right of survivorship. Connecticut has a small estate affidavit process (Form PC-212) for solely owned personal property up to $40,000 (Conn. Gen. Stat. 45a-273), but it is available only if the decedent had no solely owned Connecticut real property. Out-of-state TOD deeds covering real property located in Connecticut are not given effect — Connecticut applies the law of the situs (lex rei sitae) to real property transfers, and CT has no recognizing statute.