Hartford, Conn., Mun. Code ch. 2, art. V, div. 21 § 2-330.94
Standards to determine fairness of rent
Operative Text
In determining whether a rental charge is so excessive, with due regard to all the circumstances, as to be harsh and unconscionable, consideration shall be given to the following circumstances as are applicable to the type of accommodations: A. The rents charged for the same number of rooms in other housing accommodations in the same and in other areas of the municipality B. The sanitary conditions existing in the housing accommodations in question. C. The number of bathtubs or showers, flush water closets, kitchen sinks and lavatory basins located in the housing accommodation or otherwise available to the occupants thereof. D. Services, furniture, furnishings and equipment supplied therein. E. The size and number of bedrooms contained therein. F. Repairs necessary to make such accommodations reasonably livable for the occupants accommodated therein. G. The amount of taxes and overhead expenses, including debt service, thereof. H. Whether the accommodations are in compliance with the ordinances of the municipality and the general statutes relating to health and safety. I. The income of the petitioner and the availability of accommodations. J. The availability of utilities. K. Damages done to the premises by the tenant, caused by other than ordinary wear and tear. L. The amount and frequency of increases in rental charges. M. 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. State Law reference-- Similar provisions, G.S. § 7-148c.
Hartford Municipal Code ch. 2, art. V, div. 21 § 2-330.94 establishes a multi-factor framework that decision-makers use to evaluate whether a rental charge is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable. The factors span a wide range of considerations, including comparable rents in the area, the physical condition and amenities of the unit, tax and overhead costs, compliance with health and safety codes, and how frequently rents have been raised. No single factor is automatically decisive; the provision calls for weighing all applicable circumstances together.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Hartford Mun. Code ch. 2, art. V, div. 21 § 2-330.94, operators who set or increase rents are generally expected to be able to document the basis for their pricing across the full range of listed factors. Compliant operators typically maintain records of comparable rents in the area, capital improvements and reinvestment of rental income, tax and overhead costs, and the unit's compliance with local health and safety ordinances. Keeping thorough documentation of sanitary conditions, available amenities, and the history and frequency of rent increases can support a showing that a rental charge is not harsh or unconscionable.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Hartford Mun. Code ch. 2, art. V, div. 21 § 2-330.94 gives tenants a framework for challenging a rent they believe is excessively high, by identifying the specific factors a reviewing body must consider. Tenants may raise the standards in this provision when petitioning a relevant municipal body or asserting a defense in a proceeding where the fairness of a rental charge is at issue. Tenant-rights organizations in Hartford can help individuals understand how these factors apply and what documentation or process may be involved in pursuing a complaint.
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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