Fairfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 87 (2026) § 87-4
Procedures and hearing on complaints (Fairfield Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
A. Notice of complaint filing; concurrent investigations. (1) Upon the filing of a complaint, the Commission shall promptly notify all parties in writing of the receipt of the complaint. Such notice shall also inform the parties that the landlord is prohibited from retaliating against the tenant due to the filing of the complaint. It shall also inform the parties that, until a decision on the complaint is made by the Commission, the tenant's liability shall be for the amount of the last rent prior to the increase complained of or, if there is no such increase, the last agreed-upon rent, and that an eviction based upon nonpayment of rent cannot be initiated against a tenant who continues to pay the last agreed-upon rent during the pendency of the Fair Rent Commission proceeding. (2) If a complaint alleges housing conditions that violate a housing, health, building or other code or statute, the Commission shall notify the appropriate municipal office or agency, which may then concurrently exercise its own powers. In addition, the Commission may request that the appropriate municipal official or agency promptly investigate and provide a report to the Commission. In any such case, any hearing on the dispute shall be held within 14 days after the conclusion of any investigation and report to the Commission. B. If two or more complaints are filed against the same landlord by tenants occupying different rental units in the same building, complex, or mobile home park that appear to raise the same or similar issues, the Commission may consolidate such claims for hearing. C. The Commission or municipal staff may, to the extent practicable, encourage the parties to the complaint to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution through informal conciliation. Municipal staff may serve as informal conciliators. Any agreement to resolve the complaint shall be in writing and signed by the parties. D. A hearing on the complaint shall be scheduled no later than 30 days after the filing of the complaint, unless impracticable. Written notice of the date, time and place of the hearing shall be given to the parties to the complaint at least 10 days prior to the hearing by first class and certified mail and, if possible, by electronic mail. E. All parties to a hearing shall have the right to be represented, to cross-examine witnesses, to examine documents introduced into evidence, and to call witnesses and introduce evidence. The testimony taken at a hearing shall be made under oath. Hearings shall be recorded. F. In the event that there is insufficient time to complete a hearing or for other cause, the Commission shall have the power to adjourn the hearing to another time and date. G. No sale, assignment, transfer of the housing accommodation in question or attempt to evict the tenant shall be cause for discontinuing any pending proceeding nor shall it affect the rights, duties and obligations of the Commission or the parties.
Section 87-4 of Fairfield, Connecticut's Code of Ordinances establishes the procedural framework governing how the Fair Rent Commission handles complaints. Once a complaint is filed, all parties receive written notice, and the tenant's rent obligation is frozen at the last agreed-upon amount while the proceeding is pending, meaning an eviction for nonpayment cannot be initiated against a tenant who keeps paying that amount. The Commission is required to schedule a hearing within 30 days of filing, and all parties have the right to representation, to cross-examine witnesses, and to introduce evidence. The provision also prohibits landlord retaliation against tenants for filing a complaint.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Fairfield Code ch. 87 § 87-4, once a Fair Rent Commission complaint is filed against a property owner, the landlord is formally notified in writing and is prohibited from retaliating against the complaining tenant. During the pendency of the proceeding, a compliant operator recognizes that the tenant's rent obligation is effectively frozen at the last agreed-upon amount, and that initiating an eviction for nonpayment during this period is not permitted. Operators managing multiple units in the same building or complex should be aware that the Commission may consolidate similar complaints from different tenants into a single hearing, and that a sale or transfer of the property does not terminate the proceeding.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Fairfield Code ch. 87 § 87-4, tenants who file a complaint with the Fair Rent Commission are entitled to written notice confirming receipt, and the provision explicitly prohibits the landlord from retaliating against them for doing so. While the complaint is pending, a tenant who continues paying the last agreed-upon rent before any disputed increase cannot be evicted for nonpayment. Tenants have the right to be represented at the hearing, cross-examine witnesses, and introduce evidence; those seeking guidance on how to navigate this process may wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with Fairfield's Fair Rent Commission procedures.
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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