Vernon, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 3 §§ 3-6..3-12 (2026) § 3-9
Determination of excessive rent (Vernon Buildings §§ 3-6..3-12 Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
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 market value rents charged for the same number of rooms in similar housing accommodations in the same and in other areas of the municipality; (2) The sanitary and living conditions existing in the housing accommodations in question which are not caused by the tenant; (3) The number of bathtubs or showers, flush water 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 thereof; (8) Whether the accommodations are in compliance with the ordinances of the Town of Vernon and the Connecticut 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 than 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.
Vernon, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 3 § 3-9 establishes a multi-factor framework that the Commission uses to evaluate whether a rent charge or proposed rent increase is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable. The Commission weighs up to thirteen distinct circumstances—ranging from comparable market rents and physical conditions of the unit to tax burdens, utility availability, and whether rent-increase revenue is reinvested in improvements. No single factor is automatically decisive; the Commission applies whichever factors are relevant to the type of housing accommodation at issue.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 3 § 3-9, operators whose rent levels or proposed increases come before the Commission generally document the factors that justify their pricing—such as current tax and overhead expenses, the condition and amenities of the unit, compliance with Vernon and Connecticut health and safety requirements, and any planned reinvestment of increased revenue into property improvements. Maintaining clear records of comparable market rents for similar accommodations in Vernon and nearby areas can help demonstrate that a proposed charge is not harsh or unconscionable. Operators also typically ensure that units meet applicable ordinances before a Commission review, since compliance with health and safety standards is one of the enumerated factors.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 3-9 of Vernon's Code gives tenants a basis to challenge a rent charge or proposed increase they believe is excessive by presenting relevant circumstances to the Commission—for example, poor sanitary or living conditions not caused by the tenant, inadequate facilities, or a pattern of frequent and large rent increases. Tenants may also point to whether the landlord has reinvested prior increases in actual improvements, or whether the unit falls short of Vernon's health and safety ordinances. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices familiar with Vernon's rent regulations can help individuals understand how to present these factors in a Commission proceeding.
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.
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