Middletown commission approves revised complaint form, discusses flyer distribution

The Middletown Fair Rent Commission unanimously approved an updated complaint form and agreed to forward the revised draft to the general counsel’s office for conversion into the online intake form.

Commission staff said the update incorporates suggested wording to clarify whether a tenant is being evicted or served with a notice to quit, language a commissioner requested to reduce ambiguity for applicants. "If you can check your email today, you'll see a copy," staff said when distributing the draft, and commissioners moved and voted to approve it for submission.

Separately, commissioners discussed whether the commission or the common council has authority to require landlords to post informational flyers in apartment complexes. Some commissioners proposed drafting a letter to the mayor or council and consulting general counsel to determine legal options and distribution channels; others recommended confirming whether posting on private property would require owner permission and exploring voluntary distribution by landlords or community groups.

The commission did not adopt a final distribution plan; members asked staff to consult counsel and report back at a future meeting.