Norwich, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 4, art. III § 4-41

Determination of excessive rent

In Force

Verified 11/11/2026 · Next check 12/11/2026

Operative Text

(a) In determining whether a rental charge or a proposed increase in a rental charge is so excessive, with due regard to all the circumstances, as to be harsh and unconscionable, the commission shall consider such of the following circumstances as are applicable to the type of accommodation:
(1) The rents charged for the same number of rooms in other housing accommodations in the same and in other areas of the municipality;
(2) The sanitary conditions existing in the housing accommodations in question;
(3) The number of bathtubs or showers, flush waste closets, kitchen sinks, and lavatory basins available to the occupants thereof;
(4) Services, furniture, furnishings, and equipment supplied therein;
(5) The size and number of bedrooms contained therein;
(6) Repairs necessary to make such accommodations reasonably livable for the occupants accommodated therein;
(7) The amount of taxes and overhead expenses, including debt service, thereof;
(8) Whether the accommodations are in compliance with the ordinances of the municipality and the general statutes relating to health and safety;
(9) The income of the petitioner and the availability of accommodations;
(10) The availability of utilities;
(11) Damages done to the premises by the tenant, caused by other ordinary wear and tear;
(12) The amount and frequency of increases in rental charges;
(13) 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.
(b) Nothing in this section shall preclude the commission from considering other relevant circumstances.
(c) The rent of a tenant protected by C.G.S. §47a-23c who timely and properly files a complaint with the commission pursuant to C.G.S. §47a-23(c)(1) may be increased only to the extent that such increase is fair and equitable based on the criteria set forth in §7-148c of the Connecticut General Statute.

Source: Legislative text reproduced verbatim

Plain English

Norwich Code of Ordinances ch. 4, art. III § 4-41 establishes the framework a municipal commission uses to evaluate whether a rent charge or proposed rent increase is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable. The commission weighs a broad set of factors — including comparable rents in the area, the physical condition and services of the unit, tax and overhead costs, compliance with health and safety codes, and the history and frequency of rent increases — alongside any other relevant circumstances it deems appropriate. For tenants protected under Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-23c who file a timely complaint, any rent increase is further limited to what is fair and equitable under the criteria in C.G.S. § 7-148c.

Written by anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6 · Reviewed on November 11, 2026

Plain English — not legal advice.

For Property Managers

Under Norwich Code of Ordinances ch. 4, art. III § 4-41, operators who propose rent increases should be prepared to document the factors the commission is authorized to consider, such as current tax and overhead expenses, the condition and amenities of the unit, compliance with local health and safety ordinances, and how any additional income from the increase has been or will be reinvested in the property. Maintaining clear records of comparable rents in the area, repair histories, and the frequency of past increases supports a showing that a proposed charge is not harsh or unconscionable. Landlords with tenants who hold protections under C.G.S. § 47a-23c should be aware that increases affecting those tenants are subject to the additional fairness standard set out in C.G.S. § 7-148c.

General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.

For Tenants

Section 4-41 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances gives the municipal commission authority to review whether a current rent or a proposed increase is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable, using a multi-factor analysis that includes the condition of the unit, available services, health and safety compliance, and the landlord's financial circumstances. Tenants who qualify for protection under C.G.S. § 47a-23c and who file a timely, proper complaint with the commission may have any rent increase limited to what is fair and equitable under Connecticut law. Tenants who believe a rent charge may be excessive can explore filing a complaint with the commission, reviewing their rights under the Connecticut General Statutes, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on the process.

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.