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 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 §
87-6 below and make such orders as are authorized herein;
H. Order a reduction of any excessive rent to an amount which is fair
and equitable, and/or 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; and
J. 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 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.