Locals Slam 'Absurd' Rent Increases At Winward Village Apartments

NIANTIC, CT — Officials and locals alike are rallying to decry the recent 'overnight' 60 percent rent increase at Winward Village apartments in Niantic, according to multiple public statements and media reports.

Alpha Capital Funds real estate investment firm bought the apartment complex, which primarily houses elderly and disabled people, for $8.4 million in June, The Day reported.

From there, rent was increased by an extra $900-$1,000 a month beginning with the next lease renewals, according to WFSB.

Renters and officials gathered to rally against the increases Wednesday night and call on the town to take action as there is no statewide legislation to limit rent increases, news outlets who were in attendance reported.

"Safe and affordable housing is a basic human need," the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut wrote in a statement Thursday. "We are thankful to the residents of Windward Village Apartments who bravely shared their stories and are hopeful that a Fair Rent Commission can be formed in East Lyme to ensure they are not forced from their homes and community because of excessive rent increases."

At the meeting, current Winward Village residents expressed concern that they will either be driven out of their homes or be forced to go back to work well past retirement.

"This is absurd," Nick Gauthier, who is running for state representative, wrote Thursday morning. "We must stop these large, private equity-backed real estate corporations from buying up our housing stock, jacking up rents, and kicking our people out of houses and homes!"

The Fair Rent Commission will be presented in a board meeting on Wednesday, FOX61 reported.