Groton, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 9 art. II (2026) § 9-40
Consideration in determining rental charge to be excessive (Groton Art. II: Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
In determining whether an existing rental charge with a substantial decrease in major services 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 fair rent commission shall consider such circumstances stated in C.G.S. § 7-148c as are applicable to the type of accommodation, including, but not limited to: (1) The rents charged for the same number of rooms in other housing accommodations in the same and in other comparable areas of the town. (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 rooms 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 town 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.
Section 9-40 of Groton's Code of Ordinances establishes the framework the Fair Rent Commission uses to evaluate whether a rental charge is excessively harsh and unconscionable — either because of a proposed rent increase or a substantial reduction in major services. The Commission weighs a broad list of factors drawn from Connecticut General Statutes § 7-148c, including comparable rents in the area, the physical condition and amenities of the unit, tax and overhead costs, compliance with health and safety laws, and whether rent-increase revenue has been reinvested in the property. No single factor is automatically decisive; the Commission considers all applicable circumstances together.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 9-40, property owners who seek a rent increase or who reduce major services may have those charges reviewed by the Groton Fair Rent Commission. Operators who maintain thorough records — including documentation of comparable market rents, capital improvements, tax and debt-service costs, utility availability, and the property's compliance with health and safety ordinances — are generally better positioned to demonstrate that a proposed charge is reasonable under the multi-factor standard. Keeping records of any tenant-caused damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, as well as the history and frequency of past rent increases, is also consistent with the factors the Commission is directed to weigh.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 9-40 gives the Groton Fair Rent Commission authority to review whether a rent increase or a reduction in major services is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable, using a wide range of factors such as the unit's sanitary conditions, available fixtures, furnishings, necessary repairs, and the landlord's reinvestment of rental income. Tenants who believe a charge or service reduction may meet that standard can petition the Fair Rent Commission, which is the body empowered to make that determination under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services familiar with Connecticut housing law can help explain what information is typically relevant to a Commission proceeding under § 9-40.
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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