Selectmen discuss voluntary rent-stabilization committee after review of state law

A Selectman raised rent stabilization at the July 2 meeting, outlining Connecticut’s Public Act 22-30 and suggesting Somers consider a voluntary fair rent or rent-stabilization committee and possible partnerships with nearby towns.

The Selectman summarized the state law requirement — noting it applies to municipalities with populations greater than 25,000 — and cautioned that the courts have limited authority over fair rent commission decisions. "Fair rent commissions do not control rent; they do restrict rents generally and landlords remain free to charge whatever they want," the Selectman said while explaining concerns about appeal rights and enforcement.

Board members discussed options including a voluntary local commission or a regional approach that would pair Somers with neighboring towns. One board member suggested reaching out to towns such as Enfield or other members of the four-town partnership (Stafford, Ellington and Somers) to share duties. Members agreed to revisit the topic when the absent selectman returned from vacation; no ordinance or formal action was taken during the meeting.

What happens next: the board said it will bring the issue up again after additional outreach and when the full board is present; interested members offered to research and draft potential committee language.