In determining whether a rental charge or a proposed increase in a rental charge is so excessive, with due regard to all the circumstances, as to be harsh and unconscionable, a fair rent commission shall consider such of the following circumstances as are applicable to the type of accommodation: (1) The rents charged for the same number of rooms in other housing accommodations in the same and in other areas of the municipality; (2) the sanitary conditions existing in the housing accommodations in question; (3) the number of bathtubs or showers, flush water closets, kitchen sinks and lavatory basins available to the occupants thereof; (4) services, furniture, furnishings and equipment supplied therein; (5) the size and number of bedrooms contained therein; (6) repairs necessary to make such accommodations reasonably livable for the occupants accommodated therein; (7) the amount of taxes and overhead expenses, including debt service, thereof; (8) whether the accommodations are in compliance with the ordinances of the municipality and the general statutes relating to health and safety; (9) the income of the petitioner and the availability of accommodations; (10) the availability of utilities; (11) damages done to the premises by the tenant, caused by other than ordinary wear and tear; (12) the amount and frequency of increases in rental charges; (13) whether, and the extent to which, the income from an increase in rental charges has been or will be reinvested in improvements to the accommodations.
(1969, P.A. 274, S. 2; 1971, P.A. 478, S. 2; 1972, P.A. 160, S. 2; P.A. 82-356, S. 9, 14; P.A. 83-25.)
History: 1971 act added availability of utilities in considerations concerning rental charges; 1972 act included consideration of damage caused by tenant exclusive of ordinary wear and tear; P.A. 82-356 allowed a commission to determine if “a proposed increase in a rental charge” is excessive and added Subdivs. (12) and (13) as additional criteria for a commission to consider; P.A. 83-25 amended Subdiv. (7) by adding the words “including debt service”.