Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-9

Standards (Norwalk Fair Rent Commission Ordinance)

In Force
Verified 9/17/2026 · Next check 12/16/2026
NorwalkRent Regulation

Operative Text

Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-9
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 set forth in Connecticut General Statutes Section 7-148c as are applicable to the type of accommodation: A. The rents charged for the same number of rooms in other housing accommodations in the same and in other areas of the municipality. B. The sanitary conditions existing in the housing accommodations in question. C. The number of bathtubs or showers, flush water closets, kitchen sinks and lavatory basins available to the occupants thereof. D. Services, furniture, furnishings and equipment supplied therein. E. The size and number of bedrooms contained therein. F. Repairs necessary to make such accommodations reasonably livable for the occupants accommodated therein. G. The amount of taxes and overhead expenses, including debt service, thereof. H. Whether the accommodations are in compliance with the ordinances of the municipality and the general statutes relating to health and safety. I. The income of the complainant and the availability of accommodations. J. The availability of utilities. K. Damages done to the premises by the tenant, caused by other than ordinary wear and tear. L. The amount and frequency of increases in rental charges. M. 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.
Source: Legislative text reproduced verbatim
Plain English

Under Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-9, the Norwalk Rental Commission evaluates whether a rental charge or proposed rent increase is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable by weighing a broad set of factors drawn from Connecticut General Statutes Section 7-148c. These factors include comparable rents in the area, the physical condition and amenities of the unit, tax and overhead costs, compliance with health and safety laws, the tenant's income, and whether any rent-increase revenue has been or will be reinvested in property improvements. No single factor is automatically decisive; the Commission considers whichever combination of circumstances is relevant to the type of housing at issue.

Written by anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6 · Reviewed on September 17, 2026

Plain English — not legal advice.

For Property Managers

Property owners and managers subject to Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-9 generally maintain documentation that speaks to the multi-factor review the Commission conducts when a rent charge or increase is challenged. Compliant operators typically keep records of comparable market rents, capital improvements, tax and debt-service costs, utility availability, and the condition and amenities of their units. Demonstrating that rent-increase revenue has been or will be reinvested in the property is one of the factors the Commission may weigh favorably under § 39-9.

General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.

For Tenants

Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 39 § 39-9 gives tenants a basis to challenge a current rent charge or a proposed increase before the Norwalk Rental Commission if they believe it is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable. The Commission is required to consider factors such as the tenant's income, the availability of comparable accommodations, the sanitary and physical condition of the unit, and the frequency and magnitude of past increases. Tenants who believe a charge or increase may violate § 39-9 can explore filing a complaint with the Commission or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about the 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 September 17, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.

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