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.
Any person or party aggrieved by any order or decision of the
Commission may appeal to the Superior Court within 30 days of the
issuance of the written notice of the decision to the parties. Such
notice shall include notice of the right to appeal, the court to which
an appeal may be taken, and the time in which an appeal must be filed.
Unless otherwise directed by the Commission or the court, the filing
of an appeal shall not stay any order issued by the Commission.