Mansfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 18 (2026) § 18-3
Determination of excessive rent (Mansfield Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
A. In determining whether a rental charge 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 Commission shall consider such of the following circumstances as are applicable to the type of accommodation: (1) The rents charged for the same number of rooms in other housing accommodations in the same and in other areas of the municipality; (2) The sanitary conditions existing in the housing accommodations in question; (3) The number of bathtubs or showers, flush waste 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 bedrooms contained therein; (6) Repairs necessary to make such accommodations reasonably livable for the occupants accommodated therein; (7) The amount of taxes and overhead expenses thereof; (8) Whether the accommodations are in compliance with the ordinances of the Town of Mansfield and the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut 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; and (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. Nothing in this section shall prevent pertinent Town staff from preparing corresponding analysis. B. The rent of a tenant protected by C.G.S. § 47a-23c who files a complaint with the Commission pursuant to C.G.S. § 47a-23c(c)(2) may be increased only to the extent that such increase is fair and equitable, based on the criteria set forth in C.G.S. § 7-148c.
Section 18-3 of Mansfield, Connecticut's Code of Ordinances establishes a multi-factor framework that the Commission uses to evaluate whether a rent charge or proposed rent increase is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable. The Commission weighs up to thirteen circumstances—ranging from comparable rents in the area and sanitary conditions to tax burdens, utility availability, and whether rent-increase revenue is reinvested in improvements—when making this determination. For tenants protected under Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-23c, any rent increase that results from a complaint filed under that statute is limited to what is fair and equitable under the criteria in C.G.S. § 7-148c.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Mansfield Code § 18-3, property owners and managers should be aware that the Commission evaluates proposed rent increases against a broad set of criteria, including the condition of the unit, available services and amenities, tax and overhead costs, compliance with local and state health and safety ordinances, and whether increase revenue is reinvested in improvements. Operators who maintain thorough documentation—such as records of repairs, utility costs, tax assessments, and comparable rents in the area—are generally better positioned to demonstrate that a proposed increase is not harsh or unconscionable. For units occupied by tenants protected under C.G.S. § 47a-23c, any rent adjustment following a Commission complaint is subject to the additional fairness standard set out in C.G.S. § 7-148c.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 18-3 of the Mansfield Code of Ordinances gives tenants a basis to challenge a rent charge or proposed increase by filing a complaint with the Commission, which will then weigh applicable factors such as the unit's sanitary conditions, available facilities, necessary repairs, and the frequency of past increases. Tenants who qualify for protections under Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-23c have an additional safeguard: any rent increase following a complaint filed under § 47a-23c(c)(2) can only be approved to the extent it is fair and equitable. Tenants seeking to understand their options under this provision may find it helpful to contact a local tenant-rights organization or the Town of Mansfield for guidance on the complaint process.
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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