Bloomfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. XI § 12-91
Powers of the commission
Operative Text
(a) The commission's powers shall include the power to: (1) Receive complaints, inquiries, and other communications concerning alleged excessive rental charges and alleged violations, including retaliation, of C.G.S. §§ 7-148b to 7-148f, inclusive, C.G.S. § 47a-20, C.G.S. 21-80a and C.G.S. § 47a-23c in housing accommodations, except those accommodations rented on a seasonal basis, within its jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall include mobile manufactured homes and mobile manufactured home park lots. a. "Seasonal basis" means housing accommodations rented for a period or periods aggregating not more than one hundred twenty (120) days in any one (1) calendar year. "Rental charge" includes any fee or charge in addition to rent that is imposed or sought to be imposed upon a tenant by a landlord and includes any charge that is already in effect. (2) Make such studies and investigations regarding rental housing within the town as are appropriate to carry out the duties and responsibilities delegated hereunder, and subject to the terms, limitations and conditions set forth herein; (3) Conduct hearings on complaints or requests for investigation submitted to it by any person, subject to the terms, limitations, and conditions as set forth herein; (4) Compel the attendance of persons at hearings, issue subpoenas and administer oaths, issue orders, and continue, review, amend, terminate, or suspend any of its orders and decisions; (5) Determine, after a hearing as set forth herein, whether or not the rent for any housing accommodation is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable; (6) Determine, after a hearing as set forth herein, whether the housing accommodation in question fails to comply with any municipal ordinance or state statute or regulation relating to health and safety; (7) Determine, after a hearing as set forth herein, whether a landlord has engaged in retaliation in violation of section 12-95 and make such orders as are authorized herein; (8) Order a reduction of any excessive rent to an amount which is fair and equitable, and make such other orders as are authorized herein; (9) Order the suspension or reduction of further payment of rent by the tenant until such time as the landlord makes the necessary changes, repairs, or installations so as to bring such housing accommodation into compliance with any municipal ordinance or state statute or regulation relating to health and safety; (10) Establish an escrow account with a local bank or financial institution into which it shall deposit all rent charges or other funds paid to it pursuant to section 12-94 ; and (11) Carry out all other provisions of C.G.S. §§ 7-148b to 7-148f, inclusive, C.G.S. § 47a-20, 21-80a and C.G.S. § 47a-23c as now existing and as hereinafter amended, as they apply to fair rent commissions. (b) The office of the town attorney or his/her designee shall serve as legal advisory to the commission and other expert advisors.
Bloomfield Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. XI § 12-91 establishes the powers of the town's Fair Rent Commission, which is authorized to receive complaints about excessive rents and landlord retaliation, conduct formal hearings, and issue binding orders. The Commission can compel witnesses, administer oaths, and subpoena records as part of its investigative process. When it finds that a rent is harsh and unconscionable, or that a housing unit fails health and safety standards, it may order rent reductions, rent suspensions, or escrow arrangements — and it can also address retaliation claims under applicable Connecticut statutes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Bloomfield Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. XI § 12-91, the Fair Rent Commission has broad authority to scrutinize rental charges, housing conditions, and landlord conduct, including alleged retaliation. Operators who maintain rents at levels that can be justified as fair and equitable, keep their units in compliance with health and safety codes, and avoid retaliatory actions are generally better positioned if a complaint is filed. Landlords who receive a subpoena or notice of hearing from the Commission should be aware that the Commission can issue enforceable orders, including rent reductions and escrow requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Bloomfield Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. XI § 12-91 gives tenants a formal avenue to challenge rents they believe are excessive or harsh, report health and safety violations, and raise claims of landlord retaliation — including protections referenced under Connecticut statutes such as C.G.S. § 47a-20. Tenants can submit a complaint directly to the Fair Rent Commission, which has the power to hold hearings, reduce rents, and order rent payments into escrow until a landlord brings a unit into compliance. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Bloomfield's local ordinance can help explain what the complaint process generally involves and what remedies the Commission is authorized to provide.
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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