Trumbull, Conn., Mun. Code ch. 2, art. III, div. 3 § 2-135
Orders by the commission
Operative Text
After a hearing on a complaint the commission shall either: (a) Determine that a rent increase is so excessive based on the standards and criteria set forth in section 2-133 of this division, as to be harsh and unconscionable, and order the "rent to be limited to such an amount as it determines to be fair and equitable." If such a determination is made the rent reduction shall be retroactive to the date upon which the tenant filed the complaint with the Commission and landlord shall credit tenant for the additional rent paid toward the next due rental payments, after any appeal is final. (b) Determine that a rent increase is fair and equitable; (c) Determine that the housing in question fails to meet state/local health and safety requirements, and order the suspension of rent payments until the standards are met; or (d) Determine, after holding a hearing, that a landlord has retaliated in any way against a tenant who has complained to it, and order the landlord to cease the retaliation. State Law reference-- Similar provisions, G.S. § 7-148d.
Under Trumbull Municipal Code ch. 2, art. III, div. 3 § 2-135, after a complaint hearing the rent commission has four possible outcomes: it may cap the rent at a fair and equitable amount (retroactive to the complaint filing date), find the rent increase acceptable, suspend rent payments when housing fails health and safety standards, or order a landlord to stop retaliatory conduct against a complaining tenant. Any rent reduction ordered under this section takes effect from the date the tenant originally filed the complaint, with excess amounts credited toward future rent once any appeal is resolved. The provision gives the commission broad authority to fashion remedies that address both financial and habitability concerns.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to Trumbull Municipal Code ch. 2, art. III, div. 3 § 2-135 should be aware that a commission hearing can result in outcomes ranging from rent caps to suspension of rent collection to cease-and-desist orders on alleged retaliation. Compliant operators generally document the basis for any rent increase using the standards in § 2-133, maintain housing in conformance with state and local health and safety codes, and refrain from any adverse action against tenants who file complaints. If a rent reduction is ordered and survives appeal, landlords are required to credit the tenant for any overpayment against upcoming rent obligations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 2-135 of the Trumbull Municipal Code ch. 2, art. III, div. 3, tenants who file a complaint with the commission may be entitled to a rent reduction that is retroactive to the date they filed, meaning any overpayment made during the process can be credited toward future rent once appeals conclude. The provision also allows the commission to suspend rent obligations entirely if the housing is found to violate health and safety standards, and to order a landlord to stop retaliatory behavior. Tenants who believe one of these situations applies to them may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand how the complaint and hearing 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 November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.