If you have had no hot water, flooding, unsafe conditions, evacuations, or other serious ongoing maintenance failures, you can file a complaint with the Rocky Hill Fair Rent Commission. This process exists for situations where the rent you are being charged is not fair because essential services are not being provided and/or the unit is not being kept safe and livable.
Important update: Legal help is available for Concierge Residents impacted by recent weather
The CT Fair Housing Center has agreed to represent tenants. Residents can contact attorney Sarah White at swhite@ctfairhousing.org or call the intake line: 860-247-4400.
Why this fits the Fair Rent Commission criteria
This situation involves:
- Utility availability (example: hot water, heat)
- Repairs necessary to make the unit livable
- Compliance with health and safety laws and regulations
- Sanitary conditions and services included in your rent
Step 1: Gather materials (5 to 10 minutes)
Most residents have already reported issues to the landlord or property management. That matters. Collect:
- Your lease (or any written rental agreement)
- Your current rent amount and when your lease started
- Photos/videos of leaks, flooding, damage, unsafe conditions, notices, evacuations, etc.
- Screenshots of emails, texts, work orders, and management responses (or no response)
- Receipts for extra costs you paid because of this (food, laundry, hotel, supplies, transportation)
- A list of personal property damaged or destroyed (with photos if you have them)
Step 2: Get the official Rocky Hill complaint form
Download the Fair Rent Commission Rental Complaint Form (fillable PDF) here:
Step 3: Fill out the form
Page 1
- Fill in your information.
- Fill in landlord/property information as best you can (if you do not know every detail, fill what you know).
- Check what is included in your rent. This matters. Examples include hot water, heat, electricity, snow removal (check what applies to you).
- Attach your lease if you can.
Page 2
- Select “Rental Unit Conditions” as the reason for the complaint.
- Answer the yes/no questions about unsafe conditions, needed repairs, and whether you told management.
- If you told management verbally, still write the date and who you spoke to.
Page 3 (most important)
Write the facts in simple, organized sentences. Use this format:
A) What happened
- No hot water from (date) to (date)
- Flooding/leaks on (date/time), location (building/unit/hallway)
- Burst pipes, property damage, unsafe conditions, evacuations, loss of access to kitchen, etc.
B) Dates and timeline
- When it started
- How long it lasted
- Whether it is still happening
- Any repeat incidents
C) How it affected your household
- Kids, seniors, medical needs
- Food and cooking (no kitchen access)
- Work or school disruption
- Safety concerns
- Damage to personal property
D) What you reported and the response
- Who you contacted (office, maintenance line, email)
- Dates and times
- What you were told (or no response)
E) What you are asking for
- Rent credit or rent reduction for days without essential services
- Reimbursement for out of pocket costs (attach receipts)
- A clear plan and timeline for repairs and safe occupancy
- Any other fair outcome based on your situation
Keep it calm and factual. Strong facts and documentation are your best protection.
Step 4: Submit the form to the Town
After completing the form, submit it to the Human, Youth and Senior Services Department:
- Print and deliver to Town Hall: 761 Old Main Street, Rocky Hill
- Or email the completed PDF to: HumanServices@rockyhillct.gov
Important notes
- The Fair Rent Commission can consider serious condition failures in deciding whether the rent being charged is harsh and unconscionable, including utility availability, livability repairs, and health and safety compliance.
- In certain cases involving health and safety failures, the Commission can order rent payments be suspended and held until the unit meets standards.
- This is not personal legal advice. If you want legal guidance, reach out to the CT Fair Housing Center: swhite@ctfairhousing.org or 860-247-4400.