In determining whether a rental charge is so excessive, with due regard to all the circumstances, as to be harsh and unconscionable, the Commission shall consider any of the following circumstances 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 comparable 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 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 to the extent to which, the income from an increase in rental charges has been or will be reinvested in improvements to the accommodations.
In addition, the Commission may consider the following factors:
(N) Increases or decreases in the services provided or in the amount of dwelling space.
(O) Substantial deterioration of the housing accommodations.
(P) The length of time that violations of municipal ordinances or state laws have been permitted to exist and the responsiveness of the landlord to complaints by enforcement agencies.
(Q) Increases or decreases in operating costs and the amortized cost of capital improvements.
(R) The rate of return of the landlord's investment.
(S) Retaliation by the landlord against the tenant for complaining to the landlord, the Commission, or to any other governmental agency.
(T) Damages caused by individuals on the premises with the tenant's permission.
(U) An increase in the number of occupants of the premises.
(V) Such other factors as the Commission believes are relevant to a determination as to whether a rental charge is so excessive, with due regard to all the circumstances, as to be harsh and unconscionable.
(Ord. 187, passed 11-5-79; Am. Ord. 202, passed 4-6-81; Am. Ord. 320, passed 10-7-91; Am. Ord. 734, passed 1-17-23)