Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-2
Definitions (Norwalk Fair Rent Commission Ordinance)
Operative Text
Except in those situations where the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of the terms used in this chapter shall be as follows: COMMISSION The Fair Rent Commission of the City of Norwalk, Connecticut. HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS Any building or structure containing living quarters occupied or intended for occupancy as a place of residence, including any land or buildings appurtenant thereto, except the following: A. A hospital, convent, monastery, asylum, public institution, college or school dormitory, or any institution operated exclusively for charitable or educational purposes. B. Any housing accommodations owned and operated by the United States, the State of Connecticut, the City of Norwalk, the Housing Authority of the City of Norwalk, or by any agency or political subdivision of the above, unless they are not being maintained to the standards of the State of Connecticut and the Code of the City of Norwalk. C. Any housing accommodations rented on a seasonal basis. LANDLORD Any person who leases, subleases, rents or permits the occupancy of any housing accommodations for a rental charge. PERSON Any individual, partnership, corporation, association or other business entity or other association or group which provides housing accommodations as defined herein. RENTAL CHARGES Any consideration, money, or otherwise, demanded or received for the use and occupancy of any housing accommodation. SEASONAL BASIS Housing accommodations rented for a period or periods aggregating not more than 120 days in any one calendar year. TENANT Any person who rents or leases any housing accommodation as a residence for himself and/or his immediate family, whether by written or oral lease.
Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-2 establishes the foundational definitions that govern the city's fair rent chapter. It identifies which residential properties and parties fall under the chapter's scope, specifying that most residential buildings qualify as 'housing accommodations,' while excluding government-owned properties maintained to code, seasonal rentals (those rented 120 days or fewer per calendar year), and certain institutional facilities. These definitions determine who counts as a landlord or tenant and what types of charges and properties are regulated throughout the rest of the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-2, property owners and managers should be aware that the chapter's definitions broadly capture most residential rental arrangements, including any consideration received for occupancy. Operators of properties that may fall into an exclusion—such as units rented on a seasonal basis for no more than 120 days in a calendar year, or government-owned housing maintained to state and city standards—should understand how those carve-outs are defined before assuming the chapter does not apply to them. Compliant operators generally keep clear records of rental periods and property classifications to demonstrate which category their accommodations fall into.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-2 sets out who qualifies as a tenant and what types of housing are covered by Norwalk's fair rent rules, which matters when determining whether a renter can seek relief from the Fair Rent Commission of the City of Norwalk. Renters in most residential buildings—whether under a written or oral lease—are generally included, though those in certain government-owned, institutional, or short-term seasonal accommodations may not be. Tenants who are uncertain whether their housing qualifies under these definitions may find it helpful to review the full chapter or consult a local tenant-rights organization for general information.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 17, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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