Fair Rent Commission approves stipulated order keeping rent at $1,530 until inspection

The Middletown Fair Rent Commission on Aug. 19 approved a stipulated order resolving a tenancy dispute that keeps rent at $1,530 a month until a city inspection verifies repairs, after which rent will increase to $1,630 a month for one year.

Counsel to the commission summarized the settlement terms for commissioners, saying, “the rent would remain at $1,530 per month, but that the premises will, eventually be subject to a city inspection. And if it passes that inspection, then at that time, the rent is gonna increase to $1,630 a month beginning the following month, for a duration of 1 year.” The counsel also said the landlord and management agreed to finish listed repairs and provide a post-repair report and inspection scheduling.

Commissioners were told the parties agreed to a timeline for completing repairs and submitting evidence: the work is to be done by Oct. 15, with the parties sharing any third-party mold or damage reports. Counsel said the parties waived rights to appeal the order as part of the stipulation.

Attorney Carabetta, representing the landlords, confirmed the management company agreed to the terms and that an initial inspection had already taken place. A member of the respondent side, who acknowledged the stipulation during the meeting, said only “Correct” when asked to confirm the terms.

The commission moved to approve the stipulated order and adopted it by voice vote. The chair said the commission chair would execute the order and the document would be distributed to members promptly.

The approved stipulation resolves that particular case without further hearing, subject to the timeline and documentation described. The commission’s action does not set precedent for other cases; it implements the parties’ settlement and the commission’s role in confirming compliance.