Branford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 40 (2026) § 40-3

The Commission shall have all such powers and duties within the authority granted in § 40-1 , including without limitation the following: A. Receive complaints, inquiries, and other communications concerning alleged excessive rental charges and alleged violations, including retaliation, of C.G.S. §§ 7-148b to 7-148f, inclusive, 47a-20, 21-80a and 47a-23c in housing accommodations of any type, except those accommodations rented on a seasonal basis, within its jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall include mobile manufactured homes and mobile manufactured home park lots. (1) "Seasonal basis" means housing accommodations rented for a period or periods aggregating not more than 120 days in any one calendar year. (2) "Rental charge" includes any fee or charge in addition to rent that is imposed or sought to be imposed upon a tenant by a landlord and includes any charge that is already in effect. B. Make such studies and investigations regarding rental housing within the Town as are appropriate to carry out the duties and responsibilities delegated hereunder and subject to the terms, limitations, and conditions set forth herein; C. Conduct hearings on complaints or requests for investigation submitted to it by any person, subject to the terms, limitations, and conditions as set forth herein; D. Compel the attendance of persons at hearings, issue subpoenas and administer oaths, issue orders and continue, review, amend, terminate or suspend any of its orders and decisions; E. Determine, after a hearing as set forth herein, whether or not the rent for any housing accommodation is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable; F. Determine, after a hearing as set forth herein, whether the housing accommodation in question fails to comply with any municipal ordinance or state statute, or regulation relating to health and safety; G. Determine, after a hearing as set forth herein, whether a landlord has engaged in retaliation in violation of this chapter and make such orders as are authorized herein; H. Order a reduction of any excessive rent to an amount that is fair and equitable, and make such other orders as are authorized herein; I. Order the suspension or reduction of further payment of rent by the tenant until such time as the landlord makes the necessary changes, repairs, or installations so as to bring such housing accommodation into compliance with any municipal ordinance or state statute or regulation relating to health and safety; J. Establish an escrow account with a local bank or financial institution into which it shall deposit all rent charges or other funds paid to it pursuant to the exercise of its powers as set forth herein; and K. Carry out all other provisions of C.G.S. §§ 7-148b to 7-148f, inclusive, 47a-20, 21-80a and 47a-23c as now existing and as hereinafter amended, as they apply to fair rent commissions.