 The Town of Hamden has a Fair Rent Commission whose activities are set forth in the Town Charter. The Fair Rent Commission receives complaints, inquiries, and other communication regarding charges of excessive rent or dangerous conditions in housing accommodations within the Town.
Fair Rent tenant complaint form
Landlord Fair Rent response form
Town of Hamden Fair Rent Ordinance
The Fair Rent Commission can conduct hearings on complaints or requests for investigations submitted to it by aggrieved persons. If, after a hearing, the Fair Rent Commission determines rent for a housing accommodation is excessive or “unconscionable”, it can order a reduction of excessive rent to an amount that is “fair and equitable”, or make other such orders as authorized.
If a person has a complaint about their housing accommodations, they may contact the Fair Rent Officer in the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Development. The Fair Rent Officer will work with the complainant to determine their needs and make appropriate referrals. This may include, but is not limited to, mediating conflicts between landlords and tenants or sending the Housing Code Enforcement Officer to inspect a unit if there is a charge of unsafe living conditions.
In the event that a Fair Rent Hearing is required, the Fair Rent Commission Clerk will set a date for an informal conference and a formal hearing. All parties will be notified by certified mail of the hearing date.
New Haven Legal Assistance also offers a helpful array of pamphlets to help renters and landlords learn more about their rights and responsibilities. Likewise, the State of Connecticut offers a guide to the responsibilities of landlords and tenants.
|