Hartford, Conn., Mun. Code ch. 2, art. V, div. 21 § 2-330.97
Authority to suspend rent payments
Operative Text
If the commission determines after a hearing that the housing in question fails to comply with any municipal ordinance of the city or state statute or regulation relating to health and safety, it may order the suspension 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 into compliance with such ordinance, statute or regulation. The rent during such period shall be paid to the commission by the tenant to be held in escrow subject to the compliance of the landlord with the municipal ordinance, state statute or regulation in question. If the commission determines after a hearing that the housing in question poses an immediate and substantial risk to the health and safety of the tenants, it may order what, if any, rent shall be paid until such time as the landlord makes the necessary changes, repairs, installations to remove the hazard which is causing the immediate and substantial risk to the tenants and further may order that any such rent shall be paid to the commission to be held in escrow until the necessary changes, repairs, etc., are made by the landlord. State Law reference-- Authority, G.S. § 7-148d(a).
Hartford Municipal Code ch. 2, art. V, div. 21 § 2-330.97 establishes a process by which a city commission can suspend a tenant's obligation to pay rent directly to a landlord when, after a formal hearing, the housing is found to violate health and safety ordinances or statutes. During the suspension period, rent is redirected to the commission and held in escrow rather than going to the landlord, and is released only once the landlord brings the property into compliance. When the commission finds an immediate and substantial health or safety risk, it holds additional authority to determine what amount of rent, if any, must be paid at all, and may likewise direct those payments into escrow until the hazard is remedied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Hartford Mun. Code ch. 2, art. V, div. 21 § 2-330.97, a commission hearing that finds health or safety violations can result in rent payments being redirected to the commission and held in escrow rather than forwarded to the property owner. Compliant operators generally maintain housing in continuous conformance with applicable municipal ordinances and state health and safety regulations so that no such hearing outcome arises. Promptly addressing any cited deficiencies and documenting completed repairs is the standard practice for restoring normal rent flow and avoiding extended escrow holds.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Hartford Mun. Code ch. 2, art. V, div. 21 § 2-330.97 gives tenants a formal avenue for relief when their housing fails to meet health and safety standards: after a commission hearing, rent payments may be suspended or redirected into escrow rather than paid to the landlord until violations are corrected. Tenants living in conditions that pose an immediate and substantial health or safety risk may be entitled to an additional layer of protection, including a commission determination of what rent, if any, is owed during the hazard period. Tenants who believe their housing may qualify under this provision can contact the Hartford commission directly, reach out to a local tenant-rights organization, or consult an attorney to understand the hearing process and how escrowed funds are handled.
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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