Connecticut Rent Control Laws: 2025 Guide for Renters

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Connecticut published June 21, 2025 Flag of Connecticut

Worried about rising rent in Connecticut? Many renters wonder if there are rent control policies or legal protections to help keep housing affordable. This guide will explain what Connecticut law says about rent control in 2025, tenant protections against excessive rent increases, and steps you can take if you're facing unaffordable rent.

Is There Rent Control in Connecticut?

As of 2025, Connecticut does not have statewide rent control or rent stabilization. That means there is no law or government rule that sets a maximum amount your landlord can charge for rent or limits how much it can be raised each year.

However, state law does provide protections against certain kinds of unfair or retaliatory rent increases. Some Connecticut towns may have their own housing authority programs or local housing codes, but these do not constitute formal rent control. It's important to know your rights—including how much notice you must receive before a rent hike and what you can do if you feel a rent increase is unjust.

How Are Rent Increases Regulated?

While there isn't rent control, Connecticut state law requires your landlord to give proper written notice before increasing the rent. For most tenants renting month-to-month or without a lease, landlords must provide at least 3 full rental periods' (months) advance notice in writing before increasing rent.[1]

  • Notice must be provided in writing.
  • For yearly leases, the rent generally cannot be increased until the lease ends, unless the lease says otherwise.
  • If you are on a month-to-month rental, your landlord must give proper notice (at least 3 months in advance).

If you think your rent increase is being imposed in retaliation (for example, after you ask for repairs or report code violations), Connecticut law protects you. Retaliatory rent increases are prohibited under the Connecticut General Statutes: Landlord and Tenant Act.[2]

Can a Landlord Raise Rent Any Amount?

There is no cap on how much Connecticut landlords can raise the rent, as long as they follow proper notice requirements and are not retaliating. However, they cannot increase rent as a form of retaliation or discrimination.

If you believe a rent increase is excessive or retaliatory:

  • Speak to your landlord and try to negotiate
  • Document all communications in writing
  • Contact your town's Fair Rent Commission if available (see below)
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Fair Rent Commissions: Extra Protection in Some Towns

Certain Connecticut municipalities have a Fair Rent Commission that investigates complaints about excessive or unfair rent increases. Not all towns have one, but if yours does, you can file a complaint if you believe your landlord's rent increase is harsh, unconscionable, or retaliatory.[3]

  • File a complaint with your local Fair Rent Commission if you live in a town that has one (such as Bridgeport, Stamford, Hartford, and New Haven).
  • The Commission will review your case and may call a hearing.
  • It can order your landlord to reduce, limit, or withdraw a proposed rent increase if it finds the increase unfair.
Tip: Contact your city or town hall to ask if there is a Fair Rent Commission in your area. This is often the quickest way to challenge an excessive rent increase.

How to File a Fair Rent Complaint (Form Example)

  • Sample Form: City of New Haven Fair Rent Commission: Fair Rent Complaint Form
  • When to Use: If you live in New Haven and believe your rent increase is excessive, fill out and submit this form to the New Haven Fair Rent Commission.
  • Where to Find Forms: Visit your town's official website or housing office for local Fair Rent Commission forms.

After filing, the Commission may investigate, hold hearings, and issue a ruling. If you live outside towns with commissions, you will need to resolve issues directly with your landlord or through the housing court system.

Which Tribunal Handles Rental Disputes?

Statewide, the Connecticut Superior Court: Housing Session handles landlord-tenant disputes, including eviction cases and appeals related to rent issues.[4]

Key Connecticut Tenant Laws

These statutes set out the rights and responsibilities of both renters and landlords.

Remember: Document all rent notices and communications with your landlord. Written records can help if you ever need to prove the timing or amount of any rent increase.

FAQ: Connecticut Rent Increases & Tenant Rights

  1. Does Connecticut have rent control in 2025?
    Connecticut does not have statewide rent control in 2025. Some towns have local Fair Rent Commissions that can review complaints about excessive rent increases.
  2. How much notice must my landlord give before increasing rent?
    For month-to-month tenants, the landlord must give at least three months' written notice before a rent increase can take effect.
  3. Is there a limit to how much my landlord can raise my rent?
    There is no statewide limit in Connecticut, but a rent increase cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory. Some towns have Fair Rent Commissions that may set limits in certain cases.
  4. What can I do if the rent increase is unfair?
    If you live in a town with a Fair Rent Commission, file a complaint with them. Otherwise, try to negotiate with your landlord or seek help from legal aid services.
  5. What laws protect Connecticut renters from unfair rent hikes?
    Your primary protections come from the Connecticut General Statutes: Chapter 832 (Landlord and Tenant) and local Fair Rent Commissions if available.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

  • Connecticut does not have statewide rent control as of 2025, but some towns offer Fair Rent Commissions for added protection.
  • Landlords must give proper notice before a rent increase; retaliation is not allowed by law.
  • Familiarize yourself with Connecticut renter laws and contact local or state resources if you face unfair rent increases.

While Connecticut renters don't have statewide rent caps, understanding your rights can help you respond to unfair increases and seek support when needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-23(c): Notice to quit possession and written notice for rent increases
  2. Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-20: Protection against retaliation
  3. Connecticut Office of the Tenant Advocate: Rent Increases and Fair Rent Commissions
  4. Connecticut Superior Court: Housing Session: Housing Court Information

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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