Fair Rent Commission

Welcome to the Middletown Fair Rent Commission! Under state law, cities and towns with 25,000 residents or more must have a fair rent commission to make studies and investigations, conduct hearings and adjudicate complaints related to rent on housing accommodations, including mobile homes, but excluding accommodations rented on a seasonal basis. The Commission acts on an impartial basis in relation to the evidence presented before it to resolve fair rent and related issues between landlords and tenants.

Like other commissions and boards, the MFRC is made up of community members who volunteer their time as appointed Commissioners to serve the greater community. These community members, assisted by staff and counsel, are empowered, in appropriate cases and after considering many factors, to stop or delay an unconscionable, excessive rent increase; to limit rent to a fair and equitable amount or suspend rent payments until health or safety violations are repaired; to order a landlord to stop any and all retaliatory actions; and to make and enforce its orders through fines or by commencing a civil action. The Commission also may, in appropriate cases, refer complaints for additional investigation to other agencies or departments such as the building, housing, or health departments or to the State’s Attorney’s office for prosecution.

The Commission also acts practically and quickly under the circumstances. Initially, the Commission will seek mediation between the parties to resolve a complaint. If mediation is unsuccessful and a hearing is required, most cases are decided directly after the hearing. Thus, the Commission is an important resource to the entire community to promote reasonable rent increases, housing and health code compliance and harmonious relations between landlords and tenants. To become more familiar with the law and the process, please review below, the state law, the Fair Rent Commission Ordinance, the complaint form, and the MFRC Bylaws. We look forward to serving your needs!