West Hartford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 81 (2026) § 81-2
Powers and authority of Commission (West Hartford Fair Rent Commission)
Operative Text
A. The Commission may make studies and investigations, conduct hearings and receive complaints relative to rental charges on housing accommodations, except those accommodations rented on a seasonal basis, within the Town of West Hartford in order to control and eliminate excessive rental charges on such accommodations and to carry out the provisions of C.G.S. §§ 7-148b to 7-148f, inclusive, C.G.S. § 47a-20 and Subsection (b) of C.G.S. § 47a-23c. The Commission, for such purposes, may 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. For the purposes of this section, "seasonal basis" means housing accommodations rented for a period or periods aggregating not more than 120 days in any one calendar year.
West Hartford's Rental Housing Commission, established under Chapter 81, § 81-2 of the town's Code of Ordinances, is authorized to investigate, hold hearings, and receive complaints about rental charges on most residential housing within the town. The Commission can compel witnesses, issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and issue or modify orders in pursuit of controlling excessive rents. Housing rented for 120 days or fewer in a calendar year is considered 'seasonal' and falls outside the Commission's jurisdiction under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under West Hartford Code ch. 81, § 81-2, property owners who rent on a non-seasonal basis—meaning for more than 120 aggregate days in a calendar year—are subject to the Commission's oversight authority, including its power to conduct hearings and issue binding orders. Compliant operators generally maintain accurate records of rental charges and lease terms that can be produced if the Commission initiates an inquiry or subpoenas documentation. Landlords who rent exclusively on a seasonal basis (120 days or fewer per year) should be aware that this exemption is defined narrowly and applies only to that specific category of accommodation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 81-2 of the West Hartford Code gives the Rental Housing Commission the authority to receive complaints from tenants about excessive rental charges on non-seasonal housing accommodations within the town. Tenants who believe their rental charges are excessive may have the option of bringing a complaint before the Commission, which can hold hearings and issue orders under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with West Hartford's local ordinances can help residents understand what information is typically relevant to a Commission proceeding.
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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