University Park — Part XIV Title Six Housing § 1470-02
Definitions
Operative Text
Wherever used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth after each word or phrase: Dwelling Unit means a structure or the part of a structure that is used as a home, residence or sleeping place by one or more persons who maintain a household, together with the common areas, land and appurtenant buildings thereto, and all housing services, privileges, furnishings and facilities supplied in connection with the use or occupancy thereof, including garage and parking facilities. Landlord means the owner, agent, lessor or sublessor, or the successor in interest of any of them, of a Dwelling Unit or the building of which it is part. Material Noncompliance means a condition that endangers or impairs the health or safety of a Tenant, including (i) structural members that are of insufficient size or strength to carry imposed loads with safety; (ii) exposure of the Tenants to inclement weather; (iii) plumbing and sanitation defects that directly expose the Tenants to the risk of illness or injury; (iv) lack of water, including hot water; (v) heating or ventilation systems that are not functional or are hazardous; (vi) defective, hazardous, or missing electrical wiring or electrical service; (vii) defective or inadequate exits that substantially increase the risk of injury to Tenants; (viii) conditions that increase the risk of fire; and (ix) "Material Noncompliance" shall mean and include those circumstances set forth at subsection 1470-05 (c) of this chapter. Owner means one or more persons, jointly or severally, in whom is vested all or part of the legal title to property, or all or part of the beneficial ownership and a right to present use and enjoyment of the premises, including a mortgagee in possession. Person means an individual, corporation, government, governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association or any other legal or commercial entity. Premises means the Dwelling Unit and the structure of which it is a part, and facilities and appurtenances therein, and grounds, areas and facilities held out for the use of Tenants. Rent means any consideration, including any payment, bonus, benefits or gratuity, demanded or received by a landlord for or in connection with the use or occupancy of a Dwelling Unit. Rental agreement means all written or oral agreements embodying the terms and conditions concerning the use and occupancy of a Dwelling Unit by a Tenant. Tenant means a person entitled by written or oral agreement, subtenancy approved by the Landlord or by sufferance, to occupy a Dwelling Unit to the exclusion of others.
Section 1470-02 of University Park's housing code establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the chapter governing dwelling units and rental relationships. Key terms such as 'Dwelling Unit,' 'Landlord,' 'Tenant,' 'Rent,' and 'Material Noncompliance' are given specific legal meanings that apply whenever those words appear in the chapter. Notably, 'Material Noncompliance' covers a range of health- and safety-threatening conditions—from structural deficiencies and lack of heat or water to fire hazards and defective electrical wiring—and also incorporates additional circumstances defined in subsection 1470-05(c). These definitions shape how rights and obligations under the chapter are interpreted and applied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 1470-02, the term 'Landlord' extends beyond the property's legal owner to include agents, lessors, sublessors, and successors in interest, meaning management companies and agents acting on an owner's behalf are generally subject to the same chapter obligations. Operators who understand the defined scope of 'Dwelling Unit'—which includes common areas, parking, and all supplied services and furnishings—are better positioned to ensure that everything within that scope meets the chapter's standards. Familiarity with the 'Material Noncompliance' definition in § 1470-02 is particularly important, as it identifies specific conditions—such as non-functional heating systems, defective electrical wiring, and inadequate exits—that trigger obligations addressed elsewhere in the chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 1470-02 defines who qualifies as a 'Tenant' broadly, covering those occupying a unit under written or oral agreement, an approved subtenancy, or even by sufferance, which means a wide range of occupants may have standing under this chapter. The definition of 'Material Noncompliance' in § 1470-02 is significant for tenants because it enumerates specific hazardous conditions—including lack of hot water, exposure to inclement weather, and fire-risk conditions—that the chapter treats as serious violations. Tenants who believe one of these defined conditions exists in their unit may have grounds to raise the issue through local housing authorities, a tenant-rights organization, or as a defense in relevant proceedings, with additional circumstances covered by subsection 1470-05(c).
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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