EAST LYME, Conn. — Tenants in Niantic are still in limbo after a massive rent increase at Windward Village Apartments. Renters rallied Wednesday night hoping to lower the rent increase by calling on legislators and town officials to step in and protect the renters.
Many renters FOX61 spoke with said most of the complex is elderly or disabled and can’t afford a massive rent hike.
Alpha Capital Funds recently purchased Windward Village, increasing rent between $800 and $1,000 a month for renters once they sign a new lease.
Many of the tenants are on fixed retired incomes or are disabled with limited means to come up with that additional money. Tenants are worried they’ll be forced out of their homes with no place to go since they can’t afford the new price.
Connecticut lawmakers failed to pass legislation that caps annual rent increases, so there is no law that prevents an increase this significant. However, tenants are calling on the town to form a fair rent commission.
The commission would weigh in on situations exactly like this; renters would be able to come forward and argue a hike that is too high.
Tenants said their future is unclear and other properties in the area have wait lists that are years long.
"Rent is $1,750, if they go up to what they’re planning I'll have to leave and there is nowhere to go,” said Jean Church. “Maybe at 87 years of age, I'll go back to work and I’m not looking forward to it.”
Tenants are also calling on state lawmakers to address the housing crisis in our state.
The Fair Rent Commission will be presented in a board meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Lindsey Kane is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at Lkane@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Stream Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.