Fair Rent Commission Meeting – May 29, 2026

The Fair Rent Commission met on May 29, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM and adjourning at 9:27 PM. The meeting addressed three contested matters: a jurisdictional review, a retaliation hearing, and a compliance hearing, along with a second retaliation hearing late in the evening. Numerous votes were taken, including a 5-0 dismissal and a 4-1 dismissal.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of May 13, 2026: Approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Correspondence: None.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Jurisdictional Review – Nester vs. Middletown Housing Authority: Attorney Emilio Estrella, representing the Housing Authority, argued that the complaint lacked jurisdiction because the Housing Authority is not the landlord and the rent did not increase; the tenant’s share rose due to reduced household size and Section 8 eligibility changes. The complainant (Ms. Nester) was not present. The Commission dismissed the complaint after a roll-call vote (5-0; all commissioners in favor – Cronenberger, Fennel, Gonishau, Calvo, Rosenthal).
• Retaliation Hearing – Williams vs. Middletown Housing Authority: The tenant, Ms. Williams, testified that she received an eviction notice after disputing excessive recertification demands (bank statements for six accounts) and a $500 rent increase. She claimed the housing authority retaliated after she filed a complaint with the Commission. The landlord’s attorney, David Carlson, argued that the initial termination in March 2025 was for failure to recertify, and the May 2026 notice to quit was sent in error and would not be pursued. The Commission’s counsel explained the three possible grounds for retaliation under Section 14-81. After discussion, the parties agreed to a stipulated order: the Housing Authority would withdraw both notices to quit and cease eviction proceedings. The Commission voted unanimously (5-0) to table the matter with that order.
• Compliance Hearing – McPearson vs. 260-280 East Main Street LLC: Attorney for the tenant (Mr. McPherson) argued that the landlord failed to comply with a September 15, 2025 order to repair the heating system and provide reports from the health department, building department, and fire marshal. The landlord (Mr. Beskovich) presented invoices and inspection notes but admitted he did not know reports were required. The Commission noted the landlord had continued to charge full rent despite the order reducing rent to zero after October 4, 2025. The landlord had also filed an eviction action. The Commission tabled the compliance matter (unanimous roll-call aye, 5-0) to allow informal settlement discussions, and strongly urged the landlord to withdraw the eviction. The parties scheduled a Zoom settlement conference for the next day (May 30) at 2:00 PM.
• Retaliation Hearing – DeLeon vs. Monarca Properties: The tenant, Mr. DeLeon, stated he received a notice to quit (lapse of time) on April 28, 2026, 45 days’ notice to vacate by June 12. He had previously filed a complaint and the Commission found retaliation in November 2025. He noted he has a major surgery scheduled for July 27 and is on fixed disability income. The landlord’s attorney argued the notice was for lapse of time, not related to the complaint, and over six months had passed. The Commission voted to dismiss the complaint 4-1 (Commissioner Fennel voting against dismissal). The offer of informal settlement was declined.

Key Outcomes

• Nester complaint dismissed (5-0) for lack of jurisdiction.
• Williams vs. Housing Authority: Stipulated order to withdraw both notices to quit and cease eviction; matter tabled.
• McPearson compliance: Tabled (5-0) for informal settlement; eviction strongly urged to be withdrawn; settlement conference scheduled for May 30.
• DeLeon retaliation complaint dismissed (4-1).
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 2026, with possibility of a special meeting if needed.