Bristol, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. XII § 12-183
Determination of excessive rent
Operative Text
(a) In determining whether a rental charge or a proposed increase in a rental charge is so excessive, with due regard to all the circumstances, as to be harsh and unconscionable, the commission shall consider such of the following circumstances as are applicable to the type of accommodation: (1) The rents charged for the same number of rooms in other housing accommodations in the same and in other areas of the municipality; (2) The sanitary conditions existing in the housing accommodations in question; (3) The number of bathtubs or showers, flush waste closets, kitchen sinks and lavatory basins available to the occupants thereof; (4) Services, furniture, furnishings and equipment supplied therein; (5) The size and number of bedrooms contained therein; (6) Repairs necessary to make such accommodations reasonably livable for the occupants accommodated therein; (7) The amount of taxes and overhead expenses thereof; (8) Whether the accommodations are in compliance with the ordinances of the City of Bristol and the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut relating to health and safety; (9) The income of the petitioner and the availability of accommodations; (10) The availability of utilities; (11) Damages done to the premises by the tenant, caused by other than ordinary wear and tear; (12) The amount and frequency of increases in rental charges; and (13) 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. (b) Nothing in this section shall preclude the commission from considering other relevant circumstances. (c) The rent of a tenant protected by G.S. § 47a-23c, who files a complaint with the commission pursuant to G.S. § 47a-23c(c)(2), may be increased only to the extent that such increase is fair and equitable, based on the criteria set forth in G.S. § 7-148c.
Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. XII § 12-183 establishes the framework the Bristol commission uses to decide whether a rent charge or proposed rent increase is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable. The commission weighs up to thirteen enumerated factors—ranging from comparable rents in the area and the unit's sanitary conditions to the frequency of past increases and reinvestment in improvements—and may also consider any other relevant circumstances. For tenants protected under Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-23c, the provision adds an additional constraint: any rent increase must be fair and equitable under the criteria in G.S. § 7-148c.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. XII § 12-183, operators who propose rent increases should be prepared to demonstrate how their request holds up against the commission's multi-factor analysis. Compliant landlords typically maintain documentation of comparable rents in the area, records of taxes and overhead, evidence of improvements funded by prior increases, and proof that the unit meets city and state health and safety standards. Landlords whose tenants hold protections under G.S. § 47a-23c face a heightened standard, as any increase must also satisfy the fairness and equity criteria referenced in G.S. § 7-148c.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. XII § 12-183 gives tenants a structured basis for challenging a rent charge or proposed increase they believe is harsh and unconscionable, by triggering the commission's review of factors such as the unit's condition, available services, and the landlord's pattern of increases. Tenants protected under G.S. § 47a-23c have an additional avenue: filing a complaint with the commission under G.S. § 47a-23c(c)(2), which limits any increase to what is fair and equitable under state criteria. Tenants who believe a charge may be excessive can document relevant conditions—such as needed repairs, sanitary issues, or the frequency of past increases—and may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with Bristol's rent ordinance for general guidance on the complaint process.
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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