Can Connecticut Landlords Raise Rent for Accessibility Upgrades?

If you're a Connecticut renter living with a disability, you have the right to request reasonable modifications—like wheelchair ramps or accessible bathrooms—to make your apartment livable. But many renters worry: Can my landlord raise the rent after these upgrades? Understanding Connecticut’s rules can help you protect both your home and your budget.

Understanding Accessibility Upgrades in Connecticut Rentals

Both federal and Connecticut laws protect the rights of renters with disabilities to request reasonable modifications. Examples of accessibility upgrades include:

• Adding ramps, grab bars, or wider doorways
• Lowering kitchen counters
• Installing visual alert systems

Under the Fair Housing Act and the Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 830 - Landlord and Tenant, landlords may not refuse reasonable modifications when needed by a person with a disability. However, the question of rent increases is a separate issue.

Can Landlords Increase Rent After Accessibility Modifications?

In most cases, Connecticut landlords cannot increase your base rent solely because you requested or made accessibility upgrades.

• If you pay for and arrange the modification, the landlord cannot charge higher rent due to the change itself.
• If the landlord pays for the upgrades (and is not required by law to do so), they may negotiate cost-sharing or a specific rent increase by written agreement with you.

State law requires that any rent increase must follow proper legal notice, and cannot be used as a way to discriminate against you for having a disability.^[1]

Advance Notice for Rent Increases

Under Connecticut law, landlords must provide written notice of a rent increase at least 30 days before it takes effect (unless you’re on a fixed-term lease that says otherwise). The notice must be in writing and delivered in person or by mail. For more on notice rules, see Connecticut Fair Housing Notice.

If You Pay for the Modification

When you request a modification and handle the costs, the landlord cannot charge you more rent due to the improvement. Depending on the lease, landlords can sometimes require you to return the premises to its original condition at the end of your tenancy, but cannot profit from your accessibility needs.

If the Landlord Pays for the Upgrade

If the landlord chooses to pay for the accessibility improvement (for example, by installing a new ramp at their expense), you can agree, in writing, to a reasonable rent change that reflects this upgrade. This must be negotiated and agreed upon in advance; it cannot be imposed after the fact.

Your Rights Against Discriminatory Rent Increases

It's illegal for a landlord to raise rent to drive a tenant out because they requested a disability accommodation – this is considered retaliation or discrimination under state law (CGS § 47a-64 and CGS § 46a-64c).

• If you receive a sudden or unusually steep rent increase after an accessibility request, you have the right to challenge it.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• CHRO Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (No form number): Use this form to file a complaint if you believe a rent increase is discriminatory due to your disability or accommodation request.
  Access and submit the form online via the CHRO official housing complaint page. For example, if your landlord raises rent immediately after you ask for a wheelchair-accessible entrance, you can submit this form to CHRO for investigation.
• Connecticut Notice to Quit (JD-HM-7): This is not specifically for rent increases, but if you face eviction after objecting to a discriminatory rent increase, this is the official state form a landlord must serve. Learn more and download from the Connecticut Judicial Branch.

Steps to Take if You Face a Rent Increase After Accessibility Modifications

If you receive a notice of rent increase, follow these steps to protect your rights:

• Review your lease and the rent increase notice for compliance with Connecticut law
• Document your communications and all modification agreements in writing
• If you suspect discrimination or retaliation, file a complaint with CHRO
• For further disputes (like eviction), your case may be handled by the Connecticut Housing Session of Superior Court

These steps apply whether upgrades are self-funded or negotiated with your landlord.

FAQs: Rent Increases and Accessibility Upgrades in Connecticut

1. Can my landlord raise my rent because I installed a ramp?
   If you paid for and installed the ramp, your landlord cannot raise your rent just for that modification.
2. What notice must a landlord give for a rent increase?
   Landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase can take effect, unless stated otherwise in your lease.
3. Are landlords in Connecticut required to pay for accessibility upgrades?
   No, landlords are not legally required to pay for upgrades unless the property is federally funded or covered by special agreements. They can allow upgrades at your expense.
4. How do I file a complaint about a retaliatory or discriminatory rent increase?
   File a housing discrimination complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO).
5. What official tribunal handles rental disputes in Connecticut?
   The Connecticut Housing Session of Superior Court oversees residential tenancy cases and rent disputes.

Conclusion: What Connecticut Renters Should Remember

• Landlords cannot raise rent just because you requested or paid for accessibility modifications.
• All rent increases require proper written notice and cannot be discriminatory.
• If you experience retaliation or believe your rights are violated, official complaint processes are available to protect you.

Understanding your legal protections gives you the power to ensure your Connecticut rental remains accessible and affordable.

Need Help? Resources for Connecticut Renters

• Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) – File discrimination complaints and get information about your fair housing rights.
• Connecticut Department of Housing – Renters' resources, housing assistance, and tenant rights information.
• Connecticut Housing Session of Superior Court – Handles residential tenancy disputes and rent increase challenges.
• Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 830 – Official state landlord-tenant law.

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1. Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 830 - Landlord and Tenant
2. Federal Fair Housing Act
3. Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO)
4. Connecticut Housing Session of Superior Court

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