Fair Rent Commission

Minutes of the Oct. 17, 2024 meeting of the Norwich Fair Rent Commission Present: Commission members Lee-Ann Gomes, Ed Belli, Alternates, Nicole Haggerty and Laurie Messore, Atty. Michael Driscoll, (Corporation Council for the City of Norwich) The meeting began at 9:15am. As regular member Rebecca Melucci could not attend, alternate Nicole Haggerty was seated. Minutes of the September 19, 2024 meeting were approved. The first complainant, Eartha Skipper, was late for her hearing. When called she stated she did not receive notice of the hearing. She had inadvertently put an inaccurate email address on her form. Hearing to be rescheduled to November, 21, 2024. Her landlord also did not show. The next case was Minerva Guzman and Benicio Sanchez v Rose Hill Estates. As the complainants were running late we called their home. The wrong date had been sent to them for the hearing. Mr. Benicio Sanchez came immediately to City Hall to attend. The Commission Chair apologized for the mistake and thanked him for coming so quickly. Representatives from Rose Hill Estate were also in attendance; Joanne Hackman, Regional Manager, Audra Miller, District Manager and Kimberly Rogers, Property Manager. All were sworn in by Atty. Driscoll. All parties had been sent a copy of the City of Norwich ordinance that details the goals and powers of the Fair Rent Commission. Mr. Sanchez was informed that if he needed interpretation services, or if he did not understand anything that was being said, to let us know. He lives with Minerva Guzman (73) and their grandson (27) at 3 Gregory Road, Apt. D. They were informed of a rent increase from $1460 to $1630 effective 12-6-24. They were advised by someone at housing court that they should file with the FRC, as the rent increase was 2.5% and that both he and his partner are over 62 and are protected from high rent increases. He provided the paper advising him of his rights (T-001) and verification that he has a disability (T-002). He and his partner, Ms. Guzman, have income of $3180/month. He states that his grandson has no income. Rose Hill Estates presented the following information: the complaint (L-001), the ordinance (L- 002), a market study (L-003), renewal spread sheet (L-004), capital improvement costs for 2-23 and 2024 to date(L-005), rent increase offer letter (L-006), market rates at time of renewals (L- 007), the apartment profile for the Guzman/Sanchez unit (L-008), 2024 monthly renewals (L- 009) resident activity detail spreadsheet (L-010). Rose Hill felt that these documents justify their rent increase. Ms. Haggerty had to leave the hearing and Ms. Messore was then seated, as she had been in attendance for the whole hearing. A Commission member asked if the increase was negotiable and Rose Hill stated that it was. After conferencing amongst themselves, and then with Mr. Sanchez, they agreed on a $70/month rent increase with at $20/month trash fee, for a total of a $90/month increase, beginning on December 6, 2024. This to be written up and sent to both parties. Having no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00am. Next meeting is November 21, 2024 at 9:00am.