Branford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 40 (2026) § 40-5

A. Upon the filing of a complaint, the Commission shall promptly notify all parties in writing of the receipt of the complaint. Such notice shall also inform the parties that the landlord is prohibited from retaliating against the tenant due to the filing of the complaint. It shall also inform the parties that, until a decision on the complaint is made by the Commission, the tenant's liability shall be for the amount of the last rent prior to the increase complained of or, if there is no such increase, the last agreed-upon rent, and that an eviction based upon nonpayment of rent cannot be initiated against a tenant who continues to pay the last agreed-upon rent during the pendency of the fair rent commission proceeding. B. If a complaint alleges housing conditions that violate a housing, health, building, or other code or state law or regulation, the Commission shall notify the appropriate municipal office or agency, which may then concurrently exercise its own powers. In addition, the Commission may request that the appropriate municipal official or agency promptly investigate and provide a report to the Commission. C. If two or more complaints are filed against the same landlord by tenants occupying different rental units in the same building, complex, or mobile home park that appear to raise the same or similar issues, the Commission may consolidate such claims for hearing. D. The Commission or municipal staff may, to the extent practicable, encourage the parties to the complaint to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution through informal conciliation. Municipal staff or Town Counsel may serve as informal conciliators. Any agreement to resolve the complaint shall be in writing and signed by the parties. E. A hearing on the complaint shall be scheduled no later than 30 days after the receipt of the written complaint by the Commission, unless impracticable, in the reasonable opinion of the Commission Chair. Written notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing shall be given to the parties to the complaint at least 10 days prior to the hearing by first-class and certified mail. F. All parties to a hearing shall have the right to be represented by counsel or other person of their choosing, to cross-examine witnesses, to examine documents introduced into evidence, and to call witnesses and introduce evidence. The testimony taken at a hearing shall be made under oath. Hearings shall be recorded. G. In the event that there is insufficient time to complete a hearing, the Commission shall have the power to adjourn the hearing to another time and date, provided, however, that no such continuation shall last longer than 60 days from the date of the original hearing date. The Commission shall have 30 days from the date that it closes a hearing on a complaint to render its decision. H. No sale, assignment, transfer of the housing accommodation in question, or attempt to evict the tenant shall be cause for discontinuing any pending proceeding, nor shall it affect the rights, duties, and obligations of the Commission or the parties.