Fair Rent Commission

Minutes of the June 20, 2024 meeting of the Norwich Fair Rent Commission Present: Commission members Lee-Ann Gomes, Chair, Ed Belli, Rebecca Melucci, Atty. Michael Driscoll, (Corporation Council for the City of Norwich), Tenant Carolyn Denoia, and her landlord Daryl Ceccarelli, tenant Diane Letterman, tenant Kimberly and Dominic Patota and her landlord representative Amanda Plateroti The meeting began at 9:00am. Minutes of the April 11, 2024 meeting were approved. The Commission heard the case of Carolyn Denoia. Her landlord, Daryl Ceccarelli was present. Both were sworn in by Atty. Driscoll. Atty. Driscoll, Chair Gomes and Landlord Belli all disclosed that we have been at social events with Mr. Ceccarelli. Ms. Denoia was given an opportunity to postpone her case when alternates could be present if she thought that these three members should recuse themselves. She stated she wanted to proceed with the hearing on this date. Ms. Denoia alleges that rent was increased from $800 to $1200 in violation of Section 4-41. She also alleges that the rent increase was in retaliation for reporting code violations in violation of Section 4-44 and that she should not have to pay rent as repairs were not done. She has not paid rent for June 2024. She did not present any documents. The landlord presented a packet of information which showed rents at comparable apartments, costs of repairs made to 30 Sherman Street, insurance costs, utility costs (although these do not have the tenants address on them), tax bills, and photos of the condition of the apartment. The landlord states that he has tried many times to enter the apartment to make repairs. He states that Ms. Denoia often does not allow him in and when she does his workmen have a hard time completing their tasks due to the clutter and disarray of the unit. He also states that damage has been caused by Ms. Denoia. He presented a text between him and Ms. Denoia, that was read into the record, about him wanting to come to do repairs and her not allowing this to happen. The decision of the Commission was that the rent increase was justified and that the landlord proved he had made attempts to repair the unit. The Commission head the case of Kimberly and Dominic Patota. Ms. Patota informed the Commission that her husband, Dominic, has dementia. Their landlord representative, Amanda Plateroti, was also present. All were sworn in by Atty Driscoll. Ms. Patota states that rent is being raised from $1000 to $1200 in retaliation for her reporting code violations to the City of Norwich in violation of sec 4-44. The Uncas Health Department received an initial complaint of no heat on 1-30-24. An inspection was also done on 12-22-23. The repairs were not made and the unit was condemned on 4-3-24. Mr. and Mrs. Patota were temporarily housed under the Uniform Relocation Act in a hotel and the landlord had to refund them 2 months’ rent ($2000).The condemnation was lifted and the Patotas moved back in. The landlord has installed mini-splits in all units although there appears to be more work that needs to be done by an electrician. The letter Ms. Patota received regarding the increase in rent was dated 11-28-23 and postmarked 12-20-24, prior to the complaint being filed. Even if we consider that statute that states that no increase in rent should be requested until 6 months after a complaint is field this would mean that the landlord could ask for an increase 6 months after 12-22-23 which would be in July. The commission decided that it appeared that the increase in rent was requested prior to any complaint. The decision was that Ms. Patota rent could increase July 1, 2024. The Commission also informed the landlord that all late feeds should be waived and that the air conditioner should be operable. The Commission heard the case of Diane Letterman. Her landlord did not appear for the hearing. Ms. Letterman was sworn in by Atty. Driscoll. Ms. Letterman alleges that her rent was increased from $1295 to $1450 in violation of Section 4-41. She also states that this is unfair as she has excessive costs due to having to pay for oil. At the hearing Ms. Letterman explained that she was notified of a rent increase in January, 2024 that was to take effect on 3/1/24. She has not paid rent since 2/1/24 and is under eviction procedures. She has been served but has not yet filed an appearance. It was the decision of the Commission to continue this hearing after the court has decided this case. This case will be added to the agenda for July 18, 2024. If the eviction is not resolved the case will be continued further. The Commission the discussed the Procedural Rules. No changes were made to that document. We did decide, however, to request more information on the application. We will ask parties if there is an eviction in process and, if so, at what stage. We will also ask if there have been any other legal proceedings. We will request that any documents that will be entered into evidence are emailed to the FRC email in advance of the meeting so that Commission members can read these in advance and copies can be made. Should they not be able to submit documents prior to the meeting we will request that they bring at least 2 copies with them. We will also suggest that parties bring things like their lease, utility/heating bills, increase in taxes or repairs that justify increase in rent. Having no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 am. The next meeting of the FRC will be July 18, 2024 at 9:00 am.