Southington, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 33 (2026) § 33-4

A. To be eligible to file a complaint with the Southington Fair Rent Commission, a petitioner must be a resident of Southington, Connecticut, at the time the complaint is filed. B. Upon the filing of a complaint, the Commission shall promptly notify all parties, in writing, of the receipt of the complaint. Such notice shall also inform the parties that the landlord is prohibited from retaliating against the tenant due to the filing of the complaint. It shall also inform the parties that, until a decision on the complaint is made by the Commission, the tenant's liability shall be for the amount of the last rent prior to the increase complained of or, if there is no such increase, the last agreed-upon rent, and that an eviction based upon nonpayment of rent cannot be initiated against a tenant who continues to pay the last agreed-upon rent during the pendency of the Fair Rent Commission proceeding. For purposes of this chapter, "last agreed-upon rent" means the most recent agreed rental amount in a lease or rent agreement or the most recent lease or rent amount which has been paid to the landlord by the tenant, in accordance with the lease, rental agreement or mutual agreement between the parties. C. If a complaint alleges housing conditions that violate a housing, health, building or other code or statute, the Commission shall notify the appropriate municipal office or agency, which may then concurrently exercise its own powers. In addition, the Commission may request that the appropriate municipal official or agency promptly investigate and provide a report to the Commission. D. If two or more complaints are filed against the same landlord by tenants occupying different rental units in the same building, complex, or mobile home park that appear to raise the same or similar issues, the Commission may consolidate such claims for hearing. E. Prior to a hearing being held, reasonable attempts shall be made through mediation, to the extent practicable, to resolve said complaint. Town staff, designated by the Town Manager within three business days of receipt of a complaint, shall contact the parties and schedule mediation meeting(s) to attempt a mutually agreeable resolution to the complaint. Any agreement to resolve the complaint shall be in writing and signed by the parties. F. A hearing on the complaint shall be scheduled no later than 30 days after the filing of the complaint, unless impracticable. Written notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing shall be given to the parties to the complaint at least 10 days prior to the hearing by first-class and certified mail and, if practicable, by electronic mail. G. All parties to a hearing shall have the right to be represented, to cross-examine witnesses, to examine documents introduced into evidence, and to call witnesses and introduce evidence. The testimony taken at a hearing shall be made under oath. Hearings shall be recorded. H. In the event that there is insufficient time to complete a hearing or for other cause, the Commission shall have the power to adjourn the hearing to another time and date. I. No sale, assignment, transfer of the housing accommodation in question or attempt to evict the tenant shall be cause for discontinuing any pending proceeding nor shall it affect the rights, duties and obligations of the Commission or the parties. J. Complainants shall bear the burden of proof in demonstrating that a rent charge or rent increase is so excessive, with due regard to all the circumstances, as to be harsh and unconscionable. The burden of production shall be on the party who has the information (ex. complainant and/or respondent). The Town of Southington and the Town's Fair Rent Commission shall not be responsible for the cost of any information for a complainant or respondent.