The Truth About Rising Rents in Connecticut & Lamont’s Focus on Algorithms Over Solutions

This article was created with the help of Ai.

Connecticut officials blame rental pricing algorithms, claiming that software used by landlords to set rent is driving costs up. But the state holds the power to regulate rent, yet nothing has changed. If algorithms were truly the issue, policymakers could step in with regulations to protect renters. Instead, they use software as a scapegoat, allowing the real forces behind rising rents—corporate landlords, political donors, and tax revenue incentives—to remain unchecked.

Rent in Connecticut continues to skyrocket, making affordable living nearly impossible. Since moving into my two-bedroom apartment in Rocky Hill in 2020, my rent has surged from $1,495 to $1,750, with another $150 increase coming soon. This pattern isn’t unique; renters across the state are being squeezed by landlords armed with data-driven pricing tools designed to maximize profits at the expense of affordability.

Yet, despite growing public outrage, Connecticut’s lawmakers refuse to cap rent. State Rep. Jason Rojas, D-East Hartford, recently said that while affordable housing is a priority, he doesn’t expect any rent cap legislation in 2025. His reasoning? A "blanket hyper" policy (his words) might slow down housing development.

But that’s not the full story.

1. The Real Estate Industry Holds the Power

One of the biggest obstacles to rent control is the real estate industry’s influence over lawmakers. Developers, landlords, and real estate investors donate heavily to political campaigns and have strong lobbyist networks pushing their interests at the Capitol.

Capping rent would cut into their profits, and they’re making sure lawmakers keep things in their favor. Just look at the numbers—Connecticut landlords have jacked up rents by as much as 20-30% in some areas, all while lobbying against any attempt to limit their pricing power.

At the end of the day, who do legislators listen to? The renters struggling to make ends meet? Or the wealthy real estate groups filling their campaign funds?

2. CONNECTICUT Claims Rent Caps Will Hurt Housing Development—But Will They?

A common argument against rent caps is that they will discourage developers from building new housing. The logic goes like this: if landlords can’t charge sky-high rents, developers won’t want to invest in Connecticut, and the state’s housing shortage will get worse.

Sounds scary, right? But here’s the problem:

• Plenty of cities with rent control still see new development. For example, Oregon has a statewide rent control law, and developers are still building.

• Developers already have tax breaks and incentives to build in many areas—rent caps wouldn’t take those away.

• Connecticut has a housing shortage because of restrictive zoning laws and slow permitting—not rent control. Even without caps, developers aren't exactly flooding the market with new housing.

The idea that rent control alone would kill new construction is misleading at best and dishonest at worst.

3. The State Makes Money Off High Rents

Another reason lawmakers avoid rent caps? They benefit from rising property values.

Here’s how it works:

• As rent prices go up, property values increase.

• When property values rise, so do property taxes.

• Property taxes fund schools, infrastructure, and public services.

So, if the state puts a cap on rent, it could slow property value growth, which means less tax revenue for local governments. In other words, Connecticut’s leaders have a financial incentive to keep rents rising, even if it makes life harder for renters.

4. Political Fear & the “Free Market” Excuse

Many Connecticut lawmakers, especially moderates like Rojas, don’t want to be labeled as anti-business or seen as interfering with the "free market.” Their hesitation isn’t just about policy—it’s about political survival.

They know that taking a stand for rent control could lead to:

• Backlash from powerful real estate groups

• Less campaign funding from major donors

• Opposition from pro-business legislators who favor a hands-off approach

Instead of making bold moves, they play it safe, claiming they don’t want to rush into policies that could "have unintended consequences." Meanwhile, renters are left drowning in costs.

So, What’s the Solution?

Here’s what they could do instead of dodging the issue:

✅ Cap rent increases at a reasonable rate (e.g., 5-7% per year) to prevent landlords from price-gouging.
✅ Expand tax incentives for developers who build affordable housing, ensuring new construction continues.
✅ Reform zoning laws to make it easier to build more housing where it's needed.
✅ Strengthen tenant protections to prevent unfair evictions and rent hikes.

Rent caps don’t have to be all or nothing—other states and cities have figured out ways to balance development with fair housing policies.

The real question is: Do Connecticut’s lawmakers have the courage to stand up to the real estate industry? Or will they keep making excuses while renters suffer?

The answer, for now, seems painfully clear.

Final Thoughts: Follow the Money

As of now, seven states—California, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Maine, Oregon, and Minnesota—along with the District of Columbia, have enacted rent control policies at the state or local level. In contrast, 33 states have laws that preempt local governments from adopting rent regulation measures.

If you’re tired of rising rents and politicians who refuse to act, speak up. Connecticut needs policies that protect both renters and responsible development—not just the interests of those making money off our housing crisis.

Let’s stop pretending this is just about "encouraging new housing" and call it what it is: a rigged system that puts profits over people.

What Can You Do?

📢 Contact your local legislators and demand action on CT fair housing policies.
✍️ Write op-eds and letters to local newspapers exposing the real reasons behind inaction.
🗳️ Support candidates who put renters' rights over real estate profits.

Change won’t happen until enough people refuse to accept the status quo. Let’s make sure our voices are louder than their excuses.