Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-8
Orders of Commission (Norwalk Fair Rent Commission Ordinance)
Operative Text
Subsequent to the hearing, the Commission shall have the power to: A. Order a reduction or freeze of the rental charge for any housing accommodation where the rental charge is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable, to an amount which is fair and equitable, subject to the standards set forth in § 39-9 of this chapter. B. Refer the matter to the appropriate city agency or the law enforcement authorities for enforcement of the appropriate municipal ordinance, Connecticut General Statute or state regulation if the Commission determines that the housing accommodation in question fails to comply with any municipal ordinance or Connecticut General Statute or state regulation relating to health and safety. C. Dismiss the complaint. D. Continue, review, terminate or suspend all its orders and decisions. E. Continue the complaint for final disposition if it finds that the complaint involves a matter which can be corrected or adjusted between the parties and if finds that such a continuance would be appropriate under the circumstances. F. Order payment of the rent in escrow to the Commission or, in lieu thereof, order the posting of a sufficient performance bond by the landlord until such time as the landlord has corrected any health and safety violations which have been found to exist and which the Health Department of the City of Norwalk or other public agency has investigated and has certified to the Commission as existing Code violations relating to health or safety.
Under Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-8, after a hearing the Norwalk Rent Commission holds broad authority to act on rental housing complaints. It may reduce or freeze a rent it finds excessively harsh and unconscionable, refer health-and-safety violations to city agencies or law enforcement, dismiss a complaint, or continue a matter to allow the parties to resolve it. The Commission can also require rent to be held in escrow or a performance bond to be posted by a landlord until certified health-and-safety code violations are corrected.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to § 39-8 proceedings should understand that the Norwalk Rent Commission can impose a rent reduction or freeze if it concludes a rental charge is harsh and unconscionable, and can simultaneously refer unresolved health-and-safety issues to city agencies or law enforcement. Compliant operators generally maintain housing accommodations in conformance with applicable municipal ordinances, Connecticut General Statutes, and state health-and-safety regulations so that escrow or performance-bond orders under § 39-8(F) do not arise. Keeping documentation of repairs, inspections, and Health Department clearances is a practice commonly associated with operators who avoid or resolve Commission orders efficiently.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 39-8 gives tenants meaningful remedies through the Norwalk Rent Commission: if a rent is found excessively harsh and unconscionable, the Commission can order it reduced or frozen, and if health-and-safety violations exist, it can refer the matter to city agencies or require the landlord to place rent in escrow or post a performance bond until violations certified by the Norwalk Health Department are corrected. Tenants who believe their situation falls under § 39-8 may file a complaint with the Commission and participate in the hearing process. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services familiar with Norwalk's rent ordinance can help tenants understand the complaint and hearing procedures 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 October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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