Fairfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 87 (2026) § 87-2
Powers of Commission (Fairfield Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
The Commission's powers shall include the power to: 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, C.G.S. § 47a-20, C.G.S. § 21-80a and C.G.S. § 47a-23c in housing accommodations, except those accommodations rented on a seasonal basis, within its jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall include mobile manufactured homes and mobile manufactured home park lots. "Seasonal basis" means housing accommodations rented for a period or periods aggregating not more than 120 days in any one calendar year. "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 § 87-6 below and make such orders as are authorized herein; H. Order a reduction of any excessive rent to an amount which is fair and equitable, and/or 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; and J. Carry out all other provisions of C.G.S. §§ 7-148b to 7-148f, inclusive, C.G.S. § 47a-20, C.G.S. § 21-80a and C.G.S. § 47a-23c as now existing and as hereinafter amended, as they apply to fair rent commissions.
Fairfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 87 § 87-2 establishes the powers of the town's Fair Rent Commission, which is authorized to receive complaints about excessive rents, retaliation, and housing-code violations in most residential rental units—including mobile manufactured homes—but not seasonal rentals (those rented for 120 days or fewer per calendar year). The Commission can conduct hearings, subpoena witnesses, and issue binding orders, including orders to reduce rent to a fair and equitable amount or to suspend rent payments until a landlord brings a unit into compliance with health and safety standards. The provision defines 'rental charge' broadly to cover not just base rent but any additional fees or charges a landlord imposes or seeks to impose on a tenant.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Fairfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 87 § 87-2, compliant property owners generally ensure that all fees and charges—not just base rent—are set at levels that could withstand scrutiny as fair and equitable, since the Commission's jurisdiction extends to any charge imposed on a tenant. Operators who receive notice of a Commission hearing typically respond promptly and maintain documentation showing that their units meet applicable health and safety standards, because the Commission is empowered to order rent reductions or suspensions tied to code compliance. Landlords who manage mobile manufactured homes or park lots should be aware that those properties fall squarely within the Commission's jurisdiction under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Fairfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 87 § 87-2 gives tenants in most non-seasonal rental units—including mobile manufactured homes—the right to file complaints with the Fair Rent Commission about excessive charges, health and safety violations, or landlord retaliation. If the Commission finds a violation after a hearing, it can order rent reductions, suspend further rent payments until repairs are made, or issue other remedial orders. Tenants who believe they may have a claim under this section can contact the Commission directly, consult a local tenant-rights organization, or review the related Connecticut General Statutes (§§ 7-148b to 7-148f, § 47a-20, § 21-80a, and § 47a-23c) to understand the full scope of available protections.
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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