Simsbury, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 15 (2026) § 15-4
Powers and duties (Simsbury Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
A. General. The Commission shall have the power to make studies and investigations, conduct hearings and receive written complaints relative to rental charges or proposed increases in rental charges on housing accommodations, except those accommodations rented on a seasonal basis, within the Town of Simsbury in order to control or eliminate excessive rental charges on such accommodations and to carry out the provisions of this chapter and Section 47a-20 of the Connecticut General Statutes (Retaliatory Action by Landlord) and Section 47a-23c(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes (The Eviction of Elderly, Blind and Disabled Tenants). The Commission may, for such purposes, compel the attendance of persons at hearings, issue subpoenas and administer oaths, issue orders and continue, review, amend, terminate or suspend any of its orders and decisions. The Commission may be empowered to retain legal counsel to advise it B. Informal conciliation. The Commission may, in an appropriate case, encourage a complaining tenant and landlord to meet informally with two members of the Commission appointed by the Chairperson for such purpose in an effort to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution of the issue contained in the complaint. One of the Commissioners so appointed may be the Director of Community and Social Services, or their designee. Such informal conferences shall be closed to the public and the Commission shall receive no formal "evidence" or render a decision thereon. Any agreement reached by the parties as a result of an informal conference shall be reduced to writing and signed by the parties and shall be fully enforceable as if it were an order of the Commission. If the parties are unwilling to meet informally or unable to resolve such issues after an informal conference, the parties shall be entitled to a formal hearing before the Commission as set forth in this chapter. The two Commission members assigned to the informal conference may take part in any formal hearing on the complaint which may be held thereafter, unless one or more of the parties objects.
Section 15-4 of Simsbury's Code of Ordinances establishes the powers and duties of the town's Rental Housing Commission, which is authorized to study, investigate, and hold hearings on rental charges and proposed rent increases for non-seasonal housing within Simsbury. The Commission can compel witness attendance, issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and issue or modify orders. It also has the authority to facilitate informal conciliation meetings between tenants and landlords, and any written agreement reached through that process carries the same legal weight as a formal Commission order.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 15-4, property owners and managers in Simsbury should be aware that the Commission holds broad investigative authority, including the power to subpoena records and compel attendance at hearings regarding rental charges or proposed increases. Compliant operators generally maintain clear documentation of their rental pricing decisions and respond promptly to any Commission notices or complaints. Landlords who participate in good faith in the informal conciliation process described in § 15-4(B) may reach a binding written resolution without proceeding to a formal hearing.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 15-4 gives Simsbury tenants the right to file written complaints with the Rental Housing Commission regarding rental charges or proposed rent increases, and the Commission is empowered to investigate those complaints and hold formal hearings. Tenants may also be offered the option of an informal conciliation conference with two Commission members, a private process that can result in a written agreement enforceable as a Commission order. If informal resolution is not reached or is declined, § 15-4 preserves the right to a formal hearing, and tenants may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization for general guidance on navigating that 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 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.