Branford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 40 (2026) § 40-2
Appointment; terms; membership; vacancies (Branford Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
A. The Commission shall consist of seven regular and three alternate members, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, each of whom shall be residents and electors of the Town and who shall serve for a term of four years; provided, however, that three of the initial members shall be appointed to serve a term of four years, three of the initial members shall be appointed to serve a term of three years, and one of the initial members shall be appointed to serve a term of two years. A quorum of the Commission shall be four members. B. Members shall serve without compensation. C. Of the seven regular members, at least one shall be a landlord, and one shall be a tenant; provided that there shall always be an equal number of landlords and tenants in the regular membership. Among the alternate members, at least one shall be a landlord, and one shall be a tenant. D. In the event that a vacancy occurs during the term of any member, the Board of Selectmen shall fill said vacancy. Any member so appointed shall serve until the expiration of such term. E. The First Selectman shall serve on the Commission as an ex-officio member, without voting power. F. Members of the Commission shall elect a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, and a Secretary for a term to be determined by vote of the Commission. The Commission shall have the power to adopt rules and regulations for its governance and the conduct of its business and shall keep a record of its proceedings.
Section 40-2 of Branford's Code of Ordinances establishes the structure and composition of the town's Rent Commission. The Commission is made up of seven regular members and three alternates, all appointed by the Board of Selectmen for staggered four-year terms, with a quorum of four members required to conduct business. Membership must always include an equal balance of landlords and tenants among the regular members, and the First Selectman sits as a non-voting ex-officio member. Members serve without pay and elect their own officers, with authority to adopt internal rules governing their proceedings.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Branford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 40 § 40-2, at least one regular member and one alternate member of the Rent Commission must be a landlord, and the overall regular membership must maintain an equal number of landlords and tenants. Property owners or managers interested in participating in local rent governance may seek appointment through the Board of Selectmen, keeping in mind the residency and elector requirements. Operators subject to the Commission's jurisdiction should be aware that this body has the authority to adopt its own procedural rules, which can affect how matters before it are conducted.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Branford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 40 § 40-2 guarantees that tenants have a seat at the table on the Rent Commission, requiring at least one regular member and one alternate to be a tenant, with parity maintained across the regular membership. Tenants who believe a matter should come before the Commission can look to this provision as evidence that the body is structurally designed to represent their interests alongside those of landlords. Tenants seeking to engage with the Commission—whether to raise a concern, attend a public proceeding, or apply for membership—may consult local tenant-rights organizations for guidance on how the Commission's adopted rules and procedures work in practice.
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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