New Britain, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 2, art. XIX § 2-926
Fair rent commission
Operative Text
(a) Pursuant to and in conformity with G.S. §§ 7-148b through 7-148f, there is hereby created a commission known as the fair rent commission. Said commission shall have such powers, duties and responsibilities as are provided pursuant to G.S. §§ 7-148b through 7-148f, including, but not limited to, make studies and investigations, to conduct hearings and receive complaints relative to rental charges on housing accommodations, to ensure that rental charges "are not harsh and unconscionable," thus creating a fair and equal process for the tenant and landlord; compelled by the need for habitable and rent stabilized housing stock in the city of New Britain; and (b) The commission shall consist of nine (9) electors of the city appointed by the mayor which shall be comprised of three (3) tenants/renters, three (3) landlords and three (3) property owners. The chairperson of the commission shall be elected by its members. The members shall be appointed to serve a term of two (2) years. The commission shall be empowered to enact such by-laws and regulations as are necessary for the conduct of its business, provided no by-laws or regulations shall be in conflict with G.S. §§ 7-148b through 7-148f; and (c) In the commission's consideration of fair rents, no fines or penalties for violations of city ordinances or state or federal laws may be included in fair rent amounts, nor shall the cost of complying with anti-blight or code enforcement orders from the city, state or federal governments or other authorities. (d) In determining whether a rental charge is too excessive, with due regard to all the circumstances, the fair rent commission shall consider the following thirteen (13) factors: (1) The rents charged for the same number of rooms and 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 and 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 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, including debt services, thereof; (8) Whether the accommodations are in compliance with the ordinances of the city 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 property by the tenant caused by other than ordinary wear and tear; (12) The amount and frequency of increases in the rental charges; (13) Whether, and the extent to which, the income from an increase rental charge has been or will be reinvested in improvements to the accommodation. (e) The fair rent commission will be unable to accept excessive rent complaints if: (1) The tenants owe back rent; (2) The tenants have already signed leases agreeing to requested rent; and (3) Landlords have already begun a summary process eviction against the specified tenant for nonpayment of rent.
New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 2, art. XIX § 2-926 establishes the Fair Rent Commission as a local body empowered to receive complaints, conduct hearings, and investigate rental charges on housing accommodations to ensure they are not 'harsh and unconscionable.' The commission weighs thirteen specific factors—ranging from sanitary conditions and available services to tax burdens and the frequency of rent increases—when evaluating whether a rental charge is excessive. Certain complaints are ineligible for review, including those filed while a tenant owes back rent, has already signed a lease agreeing to the disputed amount, or is subject to an active eviction proceeding for nonpayment.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 2-926, compliant operators in New Britain generally maintain housing accommodations that meet health and safety standards, since code-compliance status is one of the thirteen factors the Fair Rent Commission considers when evaluating rent levels. Landlords should be aware that fines, penalties, and costs related to anti-blight or code enforcement orders cannot be factored into any rent amount the commission deems fair. Keeping thorough records of taxes, debt service, capital improvements, and maintenance expenditures supports a clear presentation of costs if a complaint is ever filed before the commission.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 2-926 gives New Britain tenants a formal avenue to challenge rental charges they believe are excessive by filing a complaint with the Fair Rent Commission, which is structured to include tenant representatives among its nine members. The commission evaluates complaints against thirteen factors, including sanitary conditions, available services, and the frequency of past rent increases, providing a structured framework for review. Tenants should note that complaints will not be accepted if back rent is owed, if a lease agreeing to the disputed rent has already been signed, or if the landlord has already initiated a summary process eviction for nonpayment; tenant-rights organizations can help clarify how these eligibility rules apply generally.
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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