Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-6
Organization and procedures (Norwalk Fair Rent Commission Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. At its initial meeting, the Commission shall elect from its own membership such officers as it deems appropriate. In any event, it shall elect a Chairman, who shall preside over its meetings. B. A quorum for any meeting shall consist of at least four members of the Commission, or their alternates; provided, however, in any hearing on a complaint concerning an excessive rental charge, the Commission shall not conduct the hearing unless there are at least five members or their alternates present, and the Commission shall not order any rent reduction or make any determination that a rent is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable, except on the concurring vote of four of the members present at said hearing. C. The Commission shall conduct regular meetings, open to the public, to transact whatever business is properly before said Commission. The Commission shall determine the time, dates and places of said meetings and shall announce the same.
Section 39-6 of Norwalk's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 39, establishes how the Rent Commission organizes itself and conducts its business. The Commission elects its own officers, including a Chairman, at its first meeting. For routine business, four members constitute a quorum, but any hearing on an excessive rental charge requires at least five members present, and a finding that a rent is excessively harsh or unconscionable—or any resulting rent reduction order—must be supported by at least four concurring votes. The Commission also holds regular public meetings at times and locations it sets and announces.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Norwalk Code § 39-6, landlords facing a complaint about excessive rental charges should be aware that the Commission must have at least five members or alternates present before such a hearing can proceed, and any adverse determination requires four concurring votes. This procedural threshold means that hearings may be postponed if sufficient members are not available. Operators managing properties subject to the Commission's jurisdiction can monitor publicly announced meeting schedules to stay informed about when and where proceedings are held.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 39-6 of Norwalk's Chapter 39 gives tenants procedural protections when filing a complaint about an excessive rental charge: the Commission cannot hold the hearing without at least five members present, and it cannot order a rent reduction or declare a rent harsh and unconscionable without four concurring votes. Tenants can attend the Commission's regular public meetings, which are announced in advance, to observe how proceedings are conducted. Those seeking to understand their rights under this provision may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Norwalk's rent regulations.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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