Urbana — Ch. 12.5 Landlord-Tenant Relationships § 12.5-29
Definitions
Operative Text
The following words and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, except where the context otherwise requires. Building official means the director of the community development services department, or his/her authorized designee. Property maintenance code means article IX of chapter 5 of the city Code, as amended. Duplex means a building with two (2) rental units. Local agent means one (1) or more persons who has charge, care, or control of a building in, or part thereof, in which rental units are maintained. Multifamily building means a structure that contains three (3) or more rental units. Owner means one (1) or more persons, jointly, severally or in common, or any organization, 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 mortgage in possession. As used herein, an organization shall include a corporation, trust, estate, partnership, association or any other legal or commercial entity. The term shall not include a lessee who previously occupied a rental unit and who is subleasing the unit for the remaining part of his or her lease. Rental property means a structure with one (1) or more residential units which are leased for occupancy. However, it does not include property excluded in section 12.5-28 . Rental agreement means all agreements, written or oral, and rules and regulations embodying the terms and conditions concerning the use and enjoyment of rented premises. It shall also include subleases. Rental unit means one (1) or more rooms in a structure arranged, designed and used as a residence or living quarters by one (1) or more persons who are not its owner(s), and contained within a rental property as defined herein. Rent, rented or rental means any payment made to an owner or an owner's agent pursuant to a rental agreement. Single-family dwelling means a structure with one (1) rental unit.
Section 12.5-29 of Urbana's Landlord-Tenant Relationships ordinance establishes the core vocabulary used throughout the article governing rental housing. Terms such as 'owner,' 'rental unit,' 'rental property,' 'local agent,' and 'building official' are each given precise meanings that apply whenever those words appear in the article. These definitions shape how rights and obligations are assigned — for example, by clarifying that a sublessee is not treated as an 'owner,' and that rental agreements include both written and oral arrangements as well as subleases.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 12.5-29, property owners and managers should be aware that the ordinance's definitions broadly capture various ownership structures — corporations, trusts, partnerships, and other entities can all qualify as an 'owner.' The term 'local agent' covers anyone who has charge, care, or control of a building or part of one, meaning on-site managers and property management companies may carry obligations under the article. Operators of duplexes, single-family dwellings, and multifamily buildings should note that each category is defined distinctly, which can affect which specific provisions of the article apply to their property type.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 12.5-29 sets out the definitions that underpin tenant protections throughout Urbana's Landlord-Tenant Relationships article, including the broad definition of 'rental agreement,' which covers oral agreements and subleases — not just written leases. Tenants should be aware that the 'building official' referenced in the article is the director of the community development services department or their designee, who serves as a point of contact for code-related concerns. Tenants who have questions about how these definitions apply to their housing situation may wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization or the city's community development services department for general guidance.
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 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation