The Norwalk Fair Rent Commission discussed a newly signed Connecticut affordable-housing law that, officials said, expands regional options for fair rent commissions and restricts certain algorithmic rent-setting practices.

Chair (named John in the transcript) told commissioners the legislation "explicitly now prohibits the use of an algorithm for determining rents in certain units," and urged staff and commissioners to watch for cases that may be affected. The chair said the change is especially relevant given the commission's focus on affordable housing.

Carlos Duque, the commission coordinator, said the law also lowers the municipal population threshold that triggers a required fair rent commission. "Now this 1, it incorporates town, cities of 15,000 or more residents to create fair rent commissions," Duque said, noting that nearby towns could choose regional arrangements under the statute.

Duque described recurring issues residents bring to his office — rapid or confusing rent increases in large management portfolios, incorrect late fees, and winter service outages — and said he directs tenants to file complaints with his office and, in emergencies, to contact the health department or police. "If it's after working hours... make sure you call the police," Duque said regarding urgent lack-of-heat calls.

Commissioners did not take formal action on implementing the new statute at the meeting; chair and staff said they will monitor how state officials and neighboring towns implement regional arrangements and will bring any necessary procedural changes or cases back to the commission for consideration.

The commission’s next meeting is expected to include updates on how the new law is being applied and any procedural guidance for staff and commissioners.