Fairfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 87 (2026) § 87-3
Determination of excessive rent (Fairfield Fair Rent Commission)
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/or 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 town 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 and expenses associated with the use 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. Nothing in this section shall preclude the Commission from considering other relevant circumstances. B. The rent of a tenant protected by C.G.S. § 47a-23c who files a complaint with the Commission pursuant to C.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 C.G.S. § 7-148c.
Fairfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 87 § 87-3 establishes a multi-factor framework that the Rent Commission uses to evaluate whether a rent charge or proposed rent increase is so excessive as to be harsh or unconscionable. The Commission weighs up to thirteen listed factors—ranging from comparable rents in the area and sanitary conditions to tax burdens, utility costs, and the frequency of past increases—while retaining discretion to consider other relevant circumstances. For tenants protected under Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-23c, any rent increase must also meet a separate 'fair and equitable' standard tied to the criteria in C.G.S. § 7-148c.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 87 § 87-3, operators who propose rent increases should be prepared to document the factors the Commission is authorized to weigh, such as current tax and overhead expenses, the condition and amenities of the unit, compliance with local health and safety ordinances, and any capital improvements funded by prior rent increases. Maintaining clear records of maintenance history, utility costs, and comparable rents in the area supports a showing that a proposed increase is not harsh or unconscionable. Landlords with tenants who hold protections under C.G.S. § 47a-23c face an additional 'fair and equitable' standard, so familiarity with the criteria in C.G.S. § 7-148c is relevant when setting rents for those occupants.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 87-3 of Fairfield's rental regulations gives the Rent Commission authority to review whether a current rent charge or a proposed increase is so excessive as to be harsh or unconscionable, using a broad set of factors that includes the condition of the unit, available services, and the frequency of past increases. Tenants who believe their rent crosses that threshold may file a complaint with the Commission, which will then evaluate the applicable circumstances. Tenants protected under C.G.S. § 47a-23c have an additional avenue under § 47a-23c(c)(2), and consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Fairfield's ordinance can help clarify which process applies to a given situation.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.