New Haven, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 12½, art. III § 12½-45
Requirements of financial obligations not prohibited
Operative Text
This article shall not prohibit the lessor of the dwelling from requiring the same obligations of tenants with children as tenants without children. However, no discrimination in the manner or amount of payment of said financial obligations shall be permitted on the basis of the occupancy or potential occupancy of minor children.
New Haven Code of Ordinances ch. 12½, art. III § 12½-45 establishes that landlords may impose the same financial obligations—such as security deposits or fees—on all tenants regardless of whether children are present in the household. At the same time, the provision prohibits any difference in how those financial obligations are structured or collected that is based on the presence or potential presence of minor children. In other words, uniform requirements are permitted, but using children as a basis for charging more or imposing different payment terms is not.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 12½, art. III § 12½-45, compliant property owners apply the same financial requirements—deposits, fees, and payment schedules—consistently across all tenants, whether or not minor children occupy or may occupy the unit. Operators generally review their lease terms and fee structures to confirm that no line item varies based on familial status involving children. Maintaining uniform written policies and applying them evenhandedly across all applicants and residents reflects the standard this provision sets.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 12½-45 of the New Haven Code of Ordinances gives tenants protection against being charged differently—whether a higher deposit, an extra fee, or a different payment schedule—simply because minor children live in or may live in the household. If a tenant believes a landlord has imposed financial terms that differ from those offered to tenants without children, that concern may be raised with a local fair housing organization, the city's relevant enforcement office, or a tenant-rights group familiar with New Haven ordinances. Tenants may also explore whether such a practice implicates state or federal fair housing protections, and consulting a legal aid organization can help clarify available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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