Under Connecticut law, a landlord has the right to raise rent. However, the rent cannot be increased during the term of a written lease unless the parties have specifically agreed to the contrary. Also, a landlord is not required to give a particular amount of notice to the tenant of a proposed rental increase (for example, a 30 day notice) unless such prior notice was previously agreed upon. If the landlord and tenant cannot agree upon a new rental amount, the tenant is still required to offer whatever the tenant considers to be the fair rental value of the apartment. That may be the old rent or a higher amount that is less that the landlord is seeking. As long as the tenant offers what is honestly believed to be the fair rental value of the apartment, the landlord may not be able to evict for nonpayment of rent. However, the landlord may be able to evict for other reasons, such as the lease expiring or because the right and privilege to occupy the premises has terminated. Some cities and towns in Connecticut have Fair Rent Commissions. These commissions receive complaints from tenants who feel that their rents are too high, investigate the complaints and hold hearings to determine the fair rental value of a particular unit. A lawyer is not necessary, but may be helpful. Only a tenant who resides in a city or town with a Fair Rent Commission may file a complaint with the Commission. A list of cities in Connecticut with Fair Rent Commissions (along with contact information) and the entire publication of “Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants in Connecticut” authored by the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch of the Superior Court can be found here: http://www.jud2.state.ct.us/webforms/forms/hm031.pdf