My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Connecticut
I am the owner of a single-family home in the state of Connecticut. My tenant came home on January 6, 2014 to water streaming out of the kitchen ceiling and 18" of water in the basement. The tenant disclosed to my property manager that he had left the home at 50 degrees and went on vacation for two weeks. The tenant did not inform myself nor the property manager on his intentions of leaving the residence for that period of time.
Investigation by the fire department revealed the source of the frozen pipe was from water freezing in the upstairs toilet and subsequent plumbing. The energy company came over and concluded the home did not freeze due to boiler failure. Plumber also indicated pipes were adequately maintained and the issue was solely due to the house being too cold, causing the pipes to freeze. However, the lease I have with my tenant does not state an explicit minimum temperature requirement, nor does it require the tenant to inform myself or the property manager of extended periods of vacancy.
The tenant paid security deposit in the amount of one month's rent. Damages will far exceed the security deposit amount. As a landlord, can I hold my tenant responsible for the damage done and withhold his security deposit?

