A new City Council proposal seeks to clarify when New Britain residents seeking relief from rents can allege that rents are excessive when their landlords have begun eviction proceeding for nonpayment of rent in certain cases.
The proposal, introduced by Ald Jerrell Hargraves (R-2) and Ald Neil Connors (D-4) is on the agenda of the February 26, 2025 Council meeting.
Hargraves’ and Connors’ proposal would change the city ordinance (local law) that provides for the city Fair Rent Commission. The change would add to the provision that says, “The fair rent commission will be unable to accept excessive rent complaints if,” by adding, “Landlords have already begun a summary process eviction against the specified tenant for nonpayment of rent.”
Reportedly, work is ongoing to clarify that this new exemption to the right to file for rent relief only applies in the case of “summary evictions” for nonpayment or lease violations.
The “unable to accept excessive rent complaints” exceptions to the right to file a complaint, under the existing ordinance, include cases in which, “The tenants owe back rent,” and, “The tenants have already signed leases agreeing to requested rent.” As existing provisions of the ordinance up for consideration, the Council could decide to remove or alter those exceptions.
The city Fair Rent Commission, which was established by the city under state law, has the responsibility to,
make studies and investigations, to conduct hearings and receive complaints relative to rental charges on housing accommodations, to ensure that rental charges “are not harsh and unconscionable,” thus creating a fair and equal process for the tenant and landlord; compelled by the need for habitable and rent stabilized housing stock in the city of New Britain.
As with all city commissions, the Fair Rent Commission’s members are entirely appointed by the mayor.
Newly introduced ordinance proposals are typically referred by the Council to one of its committees, where the proposals are subject to public hearings, possible changes and potential recommendations for further consideration by the full Council.
