Bridgeport, Conn., Mun. Code ch. 2.94 § 2.94.100
Eligibility to file complaint
Operative Text
Any tenant, except those who live in a building or structure exempt under the definition of "housing accommodation" in Section 2.94.020 of this chapter, shall be eligible to file a complaint with the commission. It shall be a defense to any complaint before the commission that the tenant is in violation of Section 101-26 of the Bridgeport housing and commercial code entitled "Tenant's responsibilities" or is otherwise responsible for damages to the landlord's premises, other than ordinary wear and tear. If the commission finds, after a hearing, that the tenant is responsible for such damages, other than ordinary wear and tear, it shall not make a determination in regard to such complaint until such time as the tenant has paid into escrow with the commission an amount sufficient to pay for such damages, as determined by the commission.
Under Bridgeport Mun. Code ch. 2.94 § 2.94.100, most tenants living in covered housing accommodations have the right to bring complaints before the rent commission. However, a landlord may raise as a defense that the tenant has violated the tenant-responsibilities section of the Bridgeport housing and commercial code or has caused damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. If the commission determines after a hearing that such damage exists, it will pause its review of the complaint until the tenant deposits enough money into escrow with the commission to cover those damages.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Bridgeport Mun. Code ch. 2.94 § 2.94.100, operators of covered housing accommodations should be aware that tenants in those units are generally eligible to file complaints with the rent commission. A compliant operator typically documents the condition of the premises and keeps records of any tenant-caused damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, since that evidence can be raised as a defense before the commission. Operators also generally familiarize themselves with Section 101-26 of the Bridgeport housing and commercial code, which defines tenant responsibilities and forms the basis of that defense.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Bridgeport Mun. Code ch. 2.94 § 2.94.100 establishes that tenants in covered housing accommodations are eligible to file complaints with the Bridgeport rent commission, unless their building falls under an exemption defined in Section 2.94.020. Tenants should be aware that a landlord may raise a defense based on alleged damage beyond ordinary wear and tear or a violation of Section 101-26 of the Bridgeport housing and commercial code, and that if the commission finds such damage after a hearing, it may require an escrow deposit before proceeding. Tenants who have questions about whether their unit is covered or how the complaint process works may wish to contact the commission directly or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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