Jimmy McMillan ran for mayor of New York twice, on the Rent is Too Damn High Party.
But if he lived in Westport, and did not like what his landlord charged, he would not have to run for first selectman.
He could complain to the Fair Rent Commission.
If you haven’t heard of it, you’re not alone.
Westport’s newest board was established recently, after a state law was changed to mandate a fair rent commission in any municipality with at least 25,000 residents. (Previously, it was limited to large cities.)
Westport’s population of 27,000+ includes new apartments …
The Commission is just getting organized. The state statute says at least one member must be a tenant, and one a landlord.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker appointed 5 members: Adrienne Durkin, William Hickson, Tanya Kaur, Marisa Manley and Theresa Miles.
They had their first organizational meeting this week. Assistant Town Attorney Eileen Lavigne Flug helped members understand the ordinance, their roles, and how to hear complaints.
The Commission deals with renters of both apartments and single-family homes. Seasonal rentals (for example, those for just the summer) are excluded.
Michele Onofrio is the Fair Rent Commission administrator. A longtime employee of the town’s Building Department (and administrator of Westport’s Blight Prevention Board), she will receive complaints from tenants about their rent.
Tenants can complain about a rent increase they believe is unfair; a charge for utilities or services that used to be included in the rent; or unsafe or unhealthy conditions that may violate housing, fire or health codes.
Tenants do not need a written lease to complain. They also do not need a lawyer.
… and older ones. A 2-bedroom, 1,000-square foot unit on Franklin Street (above) is listed for $2,300 a month.
Onofrio will then attempt to resolve the issue, with the tenant and landlord. If she cannot, the commission will hear the case.
The law lists 13 factors to be considered when determining fair rent. They include rents charged for similar apartments or houses; health and safety; services supplied by the landlord (utilities, furnishings, etc.); the landlord’s taxes and other expenses; the tenant’s income; previous rent raises, and more.
After a hearing, the commission can decide that the rent is fair, and order the tenant to pay.
The commission can also determine that the increase is unfair, and set it at a fair level and order the landlord to accept it; decide that the increase must be phased in gradually, or delay an increase until repairs are made to fix code violations.
No complaints have been made yet.
Jimmy McMillan: Are you listening?
(For more information on the Fair Rent Commission — including a tenant complaint form — click here. You can also email fair-rent@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5024.)
Single-family homes are also available. This 3-bedroom, 1,634-square foot house rents for $7,850 a month.
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