Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-13
Retaliation (Norwalk Fair Rent Commission Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. In any action for summary process, it shall be an affirmative defense pursuant to Section 47a-33 of the Connecticut General Statutes that the plaintiff brought such action against the tenant solely because a complaint was filed with the Commission or because the tenant or complainant has taken any other action with reference to a matter covered by this chapter. B. If the Commission determines, after a hearing, that a landlord has retaliated in any manner against a tenant because the tenant has complained to the Commission or because the tenant had in good faith requested the landlord to make repairs, the Commission may order the landlord to cease and desist from such conduct.
Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-13 establishes two protections against landlord retaliation. First, if a landlord files a summary process (eviction) action solely because a tenant filed a complaint with the Commission or took other action under this chapter, the tenant may raise that retaliation as an affirmative defense in court under Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-33. Second, if the Commission finds after a hearing that a landlord retaliated against a tenant for complaining to the Commission or in good faith requesting repairs, the Commission has authority to order the landlord to stop that retaliatory conduct.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-13, compliant property operators are careful to ensure that any summary process action is grounded in legitimate, documented reasons entirely separate from a tenant's complaint activity or repair requests. Operators generally maintain clear records showing the independent basis for any tenancy action, so that the timing of a complaint or repair request cannot be construed as the sole motivating factor. When a tenant raises a repair concern in good faith, operators typically address it through normal maintenance channels rather than taking adverse action that could trigger a Commission hearing and a cease-and-desist order.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-13 gives tenants a meaningful tool if a landlord responds to a complaint or a good-faith repair request with an eviction filing: that retaliation can be raised as an affirmative defense in the summary process proceeding. Tenants who believe a landlord has retaliated in other ways—such as through harassment or adverse changes to tenancy terms—may file a complaint with the Commission, which can hold a hearing and order the landlord to cease and desist. Tenant-rights organizations in Norwalk and Connecticut Legal Services can help individuals understand how this provision may apply to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 17, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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