The Commission shall have the following powers:
(A) To make such studies and investigations and to conduct hearings into rental charges on housing accommodations within the town as it deems appropriate in order to carry out the duties and responsibilities delegated under law, and subject to the terms, limitations, and conditions set forth therein.
(B) To receive complaints, inquiries, and other communications relative to rental charges on housing accommodations, including, but not limited to, alleged excessive rental charges and the statutory considerations and criteria for rendering such determinations as set forth in 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 within the town.
(C) To conduct hearings on complaints or requests for investigations submitted to it by any person or persons, subject to the terms, limitations, and conditions as set forth herein.
(D) To 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) To determine, after a hearing as set forth herein, whether or not the rental charges for any housing accommodation is so excessive as to be harsh and unconscionable.
(F) To 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) To determine, after a hearing as set forth herein, whether a landlord has engaged in retaliation in violation of § 33.83 below and make such orders as are authorized herein.
(H) To request an inspection of accommodations that are subject of a complaint or investigation to be administered by the appropriate municipal agency.
(I) To order a reduction of any excessive rental charge (including any excessive fee or charge) to an amount which is fair and equitable.
(J) To enact such by-laws and promulgate regulations as are necessary for the conduct of its business, including, but not limited to, the manner and place for the filing and handling of complaints and the procedure to be followed at hearings; provided no by-law or regulation shall be in conflict with any provision of this subchapter as set forth herein. Provided further, however, no by-laws or regulations shall become effective unless published in advance.
(K) To make such other orders authorized by law and as otherwise set forth in this subchapter.
(L) To order the suspension or reduction of further payment of rental charges by the tenant until such time as the landlord makes the necessary changes, repair 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.
(M) To assess fines against any person or persons who violate or refuse to obey an order of the Commission pursuant to C.G.S. § 7-148f.
(N) 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.
(Ord. 187, passed 11-5-79; Am. Ord. 320, passed 10-7-91; Am. Ord. 734, passed 1-17-23)