Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-5
Powers (Norwalk Fair Rent Commission Ordinance)
Operative Text
Pursuant to 1969 Public Act 274, as amended, the Commission shall have the following powers: A. To make such studies and investigations into rentals charged for housing accommodations within the City of Norwalk as are appropriate to carry out the duties and responsibilities delegated hereunder, and subject to the terms, limitations and conditions set forth herein. B. To receive complaints, inquiries and other communications concerning alleged excessive rental charges in housing accommodations within the city. C. To conduct hearings on complaints or requests for investigation submitted to it by any person, subject to the terms, limitations and conditions set forth herein. D. To 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. E. To order a reduction of any excessive rent to an amount which is fair and equitable, and to make such other orders as are authorized herein. F. To, upon the approval of the Mayor and the Common Council, accept outside funds, gifts or bequests, public and private.
Under Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-5, the Norwalk Rent Commission is granted a defined set of powers to oversee residential rental charges in the city. These powers include studying rental markets, receiving complaints about excessive rents, conducting hearings, and issuing orders to reduce rents found to be harsh and unconscionable. The Commission may also accept outside funding with approval from the Mayor and Common Council, enabling it to carry out its oversight responsibilities.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-5 establishes the authority under which the Norwalk Rent Commission can investigate rental charges and conduct hearings. Property owners and managers operating in Norwalk should be aware that the Commission has the power to review whether rents are excessive and to order reductions if a rent is determined to be harsh and unconscionable after a formal hearing. Operators who maintain documentation of how their rents are set and who respond cooperatively to Commission inquiries are generally better positioned to demonstrate compliance with the city's rental oversight framework.
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 § 39-5 gives the Norwalk Rent Commission the authority to receive complaints from any person about allegedly excessive rental charges and to conduct hearings on those complaints. Tenants who believe their rent may be harsh and unconscionable have a formal avenue to submit a complaint or request an investigation through the Commission. Those seeking to understand their options may also consider reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on how the Commission's process works.
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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