CT HB05970

Amends Section 7-148b of Connecticut general statutes to allow towns, cities, and boroughs to create fair rent commissions to investigate complaints and control excessive rental charges on housing accommodations (effective October 1, 2013).

Defines "seasonal basis" as housing accommodations rented for periods aggregating not more than 120 days in any one calendar year, which are exempted from fair rent commission jurisdiction.

Expands definition of "rental charge" to include any fee or charge imposed by a landlord in addition to rent.

Fair rent commissions granted power to compel attendance at hearings, issue subpoenas, administer oaths, issue orders, and retain legal counsel.

Municipalities with more than 5,000 renter-occupied dwelling units without an existing fair rent commission must hold public hearings by June 1, 1990, and vote on creation; those failing to act must create a commission by June 1, 1991.

Permits two or more municipalities to jointly create a fair rent commission.