Fairfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 87 (2026) § 87-8
Failure to comply with Commission orders; penalties for offenses (Fairfield Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
A. Any person who violates any order of rent reduction or rent suspension by demanding, accepting or receiving an amount in excess thereof while such order remains in effect, and no appeal pursuant to C.G.S. § 7-148e is pending, or who violates any other provision of this chapter or C.G.S. § 47a-20 or § 21-80a or who refuses to obey any subpoena, order or decision of the Commission pursuant thereto shall be fined not less than $25 nor more than $100 for each offense. If such offense continues for more than five days, it shall constitute a new offense for each day it continues to exist thereafter. B. The Commission, in its own name or through the municipality, may bring a civil action to any court of competent jurisdiction or take any other action in such a court to enforce any order of the Commission made pursuant to this chapter, or to enjoin a violation or threatened violation of any order of the Commission. C. The Commission may retain counsel for such an action at the expense of the landlord if the landlord is found liable or if not, at the expense of the Town.
Fairfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 87 § 87-8 establishes financial penalties and civil enforcement mechanisms for violations of the local rent commission's orders. Any person who demands, accepts, or receives rent in excess of a reduction or suspension order—or who violates related state statutes or defies a commission subpoena or decision—may be fined between $25 and $100 per offense, with each day beyond five days of a continuing violation counting as a new offense. The Commission also holds authority to pursue civil action in court to enforce its orders or stop violations, and may hire legal counsel at the landlord's expense if the landlord is found liable.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 87 § 87-8, compliant operators ensure that any rent reduction or suspension order issued by the Commission is followed immediately and completely, avoiding collection of any amount above what the order permits while it remains in effect. Because a continuing violation can reset as a new offense each day after the fifth day, operators generally act promptly to cure any noncompliance rather than allowing it to persist. Operators should also be aware that if the Commission pursues civil enforcement and the landlord is found liable, the cost of the Commission's legal counsel may be charged to the landlord.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 87-8 of Fairfield's Code of Ordinances gives tenants a meaningful protection: if a landlord demands or collects rent above an active Commission reduction or suspension order, that conduct is a punishable offense carrying fines of $25 to $100 per offense, escalating daily after five days. Tenants who believe a landlord is violating a Commission order may consider filing a complaint directly with the Fairfield Rent Commission, which has independent authority to seek court enforcement or an injunction. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Connecticut housing law can help explain how this provision interacts with related state statutes such as C.G.S. § 47a-20.
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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