Southington, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 33 (2026) § 33-2
Powers (Southington Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
The Commission's powers shall include the power to: A. Receive complaints, inquiries, and other communications concerning alleged excessive rental charges and alleged violations, including retaliation, of C.G.S. §§ 7-148b to 7-148f, inclusive, C.G.S. § 47a-20, C.G.S. § 21-80a and C.G.S. § 47a-23c in housing accommodations, except those accommodations rented on a seasonal basis, within its jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall include mobile manufactured homes and mobile manufactured home park lots. "Seasonal basis" means housing accommodations rented for a period or periods aggregating not more than 120 days in any one calendar year. "Rental charge" includes any fee or charge in addition to rent that is imposed or sought to be imposed upon a tenant by a landlord and includes any charge that is already in effect; B. Make such studies and investigations regarding rental housing within the Town of Southington as are appropriate to carry out the duties and responsibilities delegated hereunder, and subject to the terms, limitations and conditions set forth herein; C. Conduct hearings on complaints or requests for investigation submitted to it by any person, subject to the terms, limitations and conditions as set forth herein; D. 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; E. Determine, after a hearing as set forth herein, whether or not the rent for any housing accommodation is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable; F. Determine, after a hearing as set forth herein, whether the housing accommodation in question fails to comply with any municipal ordinance or state statute or regulation relating to health and safety; G. Determine, after a hearing as set forth herein, whether a landlord has engaged in retaliation in violation of § 33-6 below and make such orders as are authorized herein; H. Order a reduction of any harsh and unconscionable rent to an amount which is fair and equitable, and make such other orders as are authorized herein; I. Order the suspension or reduction of further payment of rent by the tenant until such time as the landlord makes the necessary changes, repairs or installations so as to bring such housing accommodation into compliance with any municipal ordinance or state statute or regulation relating to health and safety; J. Establish an escrow account with a local bank or financial institution into which it shall deposit all rent charges or other funds paid to it pursuant to § 33-5 herein; and K. Carry out all other provisions of C.G.S. §§ 7-148b to 7-148f, inclusive, C.G.S. § 47a-20, C.G.S. § 21-80a and C.G.S. § 47a-23c as now existing and as hereinafter amended, as they apply to fair rent commissions.
Section 33-2 of Southington's Code of Ordinances establishes the broad authority of the town's Fair Rent Commission to oversee rental housing. The Commission may receive complaints about excessive rents, retaliation, and housing-code violations; conduct formal hearings; compel witness attendance and issue subpoenas; and ultimately order rent reductions or suspend rent payments when a landlord fails to maintain safe and habitable conditions. Its jurisdiction covers most residential housing in Southington, including mobile manufactured homes and mobile manufactured home park lots, but excludes accommodations rented on a seasonal basis (120 days or fewer per calendar year).
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Southington Code ch. 33 § 33-2, compliant property owners and managers understand that the Fair Rent Commission holds significant investigative and adjudicatory authority over their rental operations. Operators who maintain rents at fair and equitable levels, keep their units in compliance with applicable health and safety ordinances and state statutes, and refrain from retaliatory conduct are better positioned when the Commission exercises its powers to review rental charges or housing conditions. Landlords should also be aware that the Commission can compel attendance at hearings, issue subpoenas, and establish escrow accounts for rent funds paid pursuant to § 33-5, making procedural compliance with any Commission proceeding an important operational consideration.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 33-2 gives Southington's Fair Rent Commission the authority to act on complaints from any person regarding excessive rental charges, unsafe housing conditions, or landlord retaliation — including conduct that may violate state statutes such as C.G.S. § 47a-20. Tenants whose rents may be harsh and unconscionable, or whose housing fails to meet health and safety standards, can submit a complaint to the Commission, which has the power to order rent reductions or suspend further rent payments until violations are corrected. Tenants may also wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand which of the Commission's available remedies under ch. 33 § 33-2 may be relevant 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 November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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