Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7 § 7-148c
Considerations in determining rental charge to be excessive.
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, a fair rent 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 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, 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 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.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-148c, when a Connecticut fair rent commission evaluates whether a rental charge or a proposed rent increase is harsh and unconscionable, it must weigh a broad set of factors rather than relying on any single criterion. These factors include comparable rents in the area, the physical condition and amenities of the unit, tax and overhead costs, compliance with health and safety laws, the frequency of past increases, and whether any increase proceeds will be reinvested in improvements. The provision ensures that rent-excessiveness determinations are grounded in the full context of each housing situation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Connecticut municipalities with fair rent commissions should be aware that Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-148c sets out the full range of factors a commission may examine when reviewing a rental charge or proposed increase. Compliant operators typically maintain documentation of their operating costs, tax obligations, debt service, capital improvements, and the condition of their units, since all of these can be weighed in a commission proceeding. Keeping records that demonstrate reinvestment of rent revenue into property improvements and ongoing compliance with local health and safety ordinances reflects the kind of stewardship the statute contemplates.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-148c gives tenants a framework for understanding how a fair rent commission evaluates whether a rent charge or increase is excessive. If a tenant believes a current rent or a proposed increase is harsh and unconscionable, they may have the right to petition their local fair rent commission, which will consider factors such as the unit's condition, available amenities, comparable rents in the area, and the landlord's history of increases. Tenants seeking to understand this process can consult their municipality's fair rent commission directly or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 24, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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