Mansfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 18 (2026) § 18-5
Rent reduction order and repairs (Mansfield Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
A. The Commission shall render its written decision (written decision) within 14 days of the hearing, unless impracticable. In accordance with the state Freedom of Information Act, both the hearing itself and the deliberation by the Commission shall be open to observation by the public. 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. B. If the Commission determines after a hearing that the rental charge or proposed increase in the rental charge for any housing accommodation is so excessive, based on the standards and criteria set forth in § 18-3 , as to be harsh and unconscionable, it may order that the rent be limited to such an amount as it determines to be fair and equitable, effective the month in which the tenant filed the complaint. A Commission's orders may include, but are not limited to, a reduction in a rental charge or proposed rent increase; a delay in an increased rental charge until specified conditions, such as compliance with municipal code enforcement orders, have been satisfied; or a phase-in of an increase in a rental charge, not to exceed a fair and equitable rent, in stages over a period of time. Commission orders shall be effective for at least one year from the date of issuance, unless the Commission otherwise orders. C. If the Commission determines after a hearing that there is probable cause that a housing accommodation fails to comply with any municipal ordinance or state statute or regulation relating to health and safety, the Commission may order the suspension or reduction 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 the housing accommodation into compliance with such laws, statutes, or regulations or that the appropriate town department determines that there is no such violation. If the Commission's order constitutes a complete suspension of all rent, the rent during such period shall be paid to the Commission to be held in a fund subject to such ordinances or provisions as may be adopted by the town. Upon the landlord's full compliance with such ordinance, statute or regulation for which payments were made into such fund, the Commission shall determine after hearing such distribution of funds as it deems appropriate.
Mansfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 18 § 18-5 establishes the process by which the Mansfield Rent Commission issues decisions and orders following a complaint hearing. If the Commission finds a rent charge or proposed increase to be harsh and unconscionable under the standards in § 18-3, it may cap rent at a fair and equitable amount, delay an increase, or phase it in over time, with the order effective for at least one year. Separately, if the Commission finds probable cause that a housing unit violates health or safety laws, it may suspend or reduce rent payments until the landlord brings the property into compliance, with fully suspended rent held in a Commission-managed fund until the landlord complies and the Commission determines how those funds are distributed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Mansfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 18 § 18-5, a compliant property owner generally ensures that any rental unit meets applicable municipal ordinances and state health and safety standards before implementing a rent increase. Operators who receive a Commission order—whether capping rent, delaying an increase, or suspending rent payments—typically act promptly to remedy any cited code violations, since compliance is the condition that triggers release of any funds held by the Commission. Maintaining documentation of repairs, inspections, and code-compliance efforts is a practice commonly associated with operators who navigate Commission proceedings effectively.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mansfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 18 § 18-5 gives tenants important protections during the complaint process: until the Commission issues its decision, a tenant's rent liability is generally limited to the amount owed before any disputed increase. If the Commission finds a rent charge unconscionable or identifies probable cause of a health or safety violation, it can order rent reductions, delays, or even a full suspension of rent payments—with suspended amounts held in a Commission fund rather than paid to the landlord. Tenants who believe their rent is excessive or that their unit has unaddressed code violations may consider filing a complaint with the Commission or consulting a local tenant-rights organization to understand the options available under this provision.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.