THE FAIR RENT COMMISSION………

• Is a City Agency

• Consists of nine Commissioners appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council for two year terms.

• Includes tenants and landlords in its membership.

• Is assisted by an administrative staff.

• Receives complaints from residential tenants who believe that their rents are excessive, harsh, and unconscionable.

A TENANT MAY FILE A COMPLAINT…….

• At the office:     Department of Housing & Community Development
                             250 Constitution Plaza
                             Hartford, CT 06103
   
• Or call 860 757-9277 to speak with a Housing Counselor

THE FAIR RENT COMMISSION………

• May schedule a hearing to accept landlord and tenant viewpoints and to receive certain staff data.

• May decide that the rent is fair.

• May reduce the rent to an amount it considers fair based on all of the facts.

• May order a tenant to escrow rent with the Commission, until the landlord corrects all code violations.

THE FAIR RENT COMMISSION……

• Uses the following standards in determining a fair rent:

• The rent charged for the same number of rooms in other apartments in the same and other areas of the City.

• The sanitary conditions of the apartment.

• The number of bathtubs or showers, flush water closets, kitchens, sinks.

• Services, furniture, furnishings, and equipment supplied.

• The size and number of bedrooms.

• Repairs necessary to make the apartment reasonably livable.

• The landlord’s taxes, overhead and operating expenses.

• Whether the apartment complies with all codes and ordinances relating to health and safety.

• The tenant’s income and the availability of housing.

• The availability of utilities.

• Damage to the property by the tenant, caused by other than ordinary wear and tear.

• The amount and frequency of increases in rental charges.

• Whether, and the extent to which, the income from an increase in rental charges has been or will be reinvested in improvements to the accommodations.

OTHER FACTS TO REMEMBER . . . . . .

THE FAIR RENT COMMISSION……

• Can help only if you file a written complaint.

• Can not hear a complaint when a written lease is in effect. When your lease expires, you may file a complaint as long as you do not sign a new lease.

• Provides interpreter services when necessary.

• Issues orders which become effective on the first rent due date after a hearing.

• Can take legal action to enforce its orders.

A LANDLORD. . . . . . . .

• May be assisted by an attorney or any other person.

• May petition for a new hearing when there is a significant change in circumstances, such as:

• Increased operating costs.
• Capital improvements.

• Increased services.

A TENANT . . . . . . . . .

• May be assisted by an attorney or any other person.

A LANDLORD OR TENANT . . . . . . . .

• May appeal to the Court of Common Pleas, if dissatisfied with a Commission’s decision.