Mansfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 18 (2026) § 18-2
Powers (Mansfield Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
A. The Commission's powers shall include the power to: (1) 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, 47a-20, 21-80a and 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; (2) 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; (3) 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; (4) 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; (5) Determine, after a hearing as set forth herein, whether there is probable cause that the housing accommodation in question fails to comply with any municipal ordinance or state statute or regulation relating to health and safety. If the Commission so determines, it shall refer the matter to the appropriate Town department; (6) Determine, after a hearing as set forth herein, whether a landlord has engaged in retaliation in violation of § 18-6 below and make such orders as are authorized herein; (7) Order a reduction of any excessive rent to an amount which is fair and equitable, and make such other orders as are authorized herein; (8) 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; (9) Carry out all other provisions of C.G.S. §§ 7-148b to 7-148f, inclusive, 47a-20, 21-80a and 47a-23c as now existing and as hereinafter amended, as they apply to fair rent commissions.
Section 18-2 of the Mansfield, Connecticut Code of Ordinances establishes the powers of the town's Fair Rent Commission, which is authorized to receive complaints about excessive rental charges and alleged retaliation, conduct formal hearings, and issue binding orders. The Commission can compel witness attendance, issue subpoenas, and administer oaths as part of its investigative process. It may order rent reductions when charges are found to be harsh and unconscionable, suspend or reduce rent payments when a housing unit fails health and safety standards, and refer potential code violations to the appropriate town department. These powers apply to most residential housing within Mansfield's jurisdiction, including mobile manufactured homes and mobile manufactured home park lots, but exclude accommodations rented on a seasonal basis (120 days or fewer per calendar year).
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 18-2, the Mansfield Fair Rent Commission holds broad authority to investigate rental practices, meaning operators of covered housing accommodations should maintain records that demonstrate rent charges are fair and equitable and that units comply with applicable health and safety ordinances and state statutes. Compliant operators generally respond promptly to Commission subpoenas and hearing notices, as the Commission has the power to compel attendance and administer oaths. Landlords whose properties are found to have health or safety deficiencies may face orders suspending tenant rent obligations until necessary repairs are completed, so proactive maintenance documentation is a common practice among operators subject to § 18-2.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 18-2 gives Mansfield's Fair Rent Commission the authority to hear complaints from any person about excessive rental charges or landlord retaliation, making it a formal avenue available to tenants in covered housing, including mobile manufactured home park lots. If the Commission finds a rent to be harsh and unconscionable, it can order a reduction to a fair and equitable amount; if health or safety violations are identified, it can order rent suspension or reduction until the landlord brings the unit into compliance. Tenants who believe they may have a complaint under § 18-2 can consider filing directly with the Commission, consulting a tenant-rights organization, or reviewing the related Connecticut General Statutes (§§ 7-148b to 7-148f, 47a-20, 21-80a, and 47a-23c) to understand the full scope of protections available.
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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