East Lyme approves Fair Rent Commission after weeks of public support

East Lyme residents gathered at City Hall cheered as the Board of Selectmen voted to establish a Fair Rent Commission.

The decision came weeks after residents called for action.

The Board of Selectmen first began discussing the formation of a Fair Rent Commission after Residents of a Niantic apartment complex spoke out against proposed rent increases of up to $900.

Residents of the Windward Village residential complex were alarmed when the residence sold to a new owner in June who wanted a rent increase.

The commission can intervene if tenants consider a rent increase to be excessive. It can also protect disabled and elderly tenants from unjustified rent increases.

Jason Deeble, a member of the Board of Selectmen, thanked residents for their strong support for the creation of the commission.

“It’s our duty as city leaders to create a place where people can air their differences and both sides can come to the table and discuss issues without people feeling unbalanced, without people feeling like someone is being bullied or that someone is at risk of homelessness,” Deeble said.

In municipalities without commissions, residents can file a lawsuit against the landlord or request that the municipality establish a commission for fair rents.

Next, the board must appoint the members of the commission and determine who from the city departments will manage the operation.

For Don MacKenzie, a member of the Board of Selectmen, the process was a refreshing change from the often slow government processes.

“This was done very quickly because it was necessary. There are no guarantees,” MacKenzie said. “There are no guarantees, but you have no idea how hard this team has worked to get this done for you and for everyone.”