Connecticut landlord raising rent by 45%. Legal?

[Andrew Bowden]

Hello again BP. I have a fair question. I live in Connecticut. On a month to month with no lease. Is it possible for the landlord to up rent by as much as 45% in as little as one month? The circumstances are as follows. Due to family issues I was left with having to move in to my mothers house with my two children. My mother has been renting this place for over 10 years and never late on rent. The landlord found out my two children and I are now residing at the residence. He apparently does not want me and my two children at the residence. He sent my mother a letter and in the letter stating that the rent for the next month was going to be $XXX.XX more or you are going to be evicted and your son and his children have to be out by the next following month regardless. Is this legal for him to do? It doesn't seem right. I would understand if he wanted more for rent, but not as much as 45%. And given the fact of my children are at a very young age. I feel that this is discrimination. Thanks, Andrew

[Steve Vaughan]

Personally,  I have an 'additional persons' clause in my leases - especially for multi's I pay the water bills for.  Each additional person is an extra $100/mo.  Tries to deter this very situation.  It is a lot more wear and tear on the property and surprises are never welcome in this business.  'The landlord found out' tells me you gave no warning. The LL is understandably upset with this.

I can't speak to 'discrimination' or what is an unreasonable rent increase in CT, but if your area does not have rent control, it is probably a legal increase if proper notice was given.  Ethical or reasonable is different than legal.

You may have grounds for a discriminatory action based on the 'your son and his children' retaliatory language in the notice.  Only a fool would put something like that in writing.  Seek legal advice if you must.

For your mom's sake, find other housing arrangements either way.  I've seen a couple other threads like this:  "I have put my parent(s) in an incredibly difficult situation by moving myself and my children into their rental home without permission...."   

Own up to your situation and take responsibility @Andrew Bowden before you, your kids AND your mother are all in a hurt.  This is your deadline. Take action.  I understand situations happen, but we are no longer our parents' problem once we leave the nest.  Shouldn't be anyway. Advice from an 'ugly uncle' you may not otherwise have.  Best wishes to you.