Adams, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 118 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 118-3
Definitions
Operative Text
A. General. For the purpose of this chapter, certain words or phrases herein shall be interpreted as follows, except where the context clearly indicates the contrary: words used in the singular include the plural, words used in the present tense include the future tense, the word "person" includes a corporation as well as an individual, and the word "shall" is always mandatory. B. Specific words or phrases. For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under §§ 118-4 , 118-5 , 118-6 . DWELLING Any building, structure, or portion thereof which is occupied as, or designed or intended for occupancy as, a residence by one or more families, and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, structure, or portion thereof. FAMILY Includes a single individual. PERSON Includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers, and fiduciaries. TO RENT Includes to lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
Section 118-3 of Adams, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 118 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted. Key terms such as "dwelling," "family," "person," and "to rent" are given broad meanings — for example, a single individual qualifies as a "family," and corporations are treated as "persons." A "discriminatory housing practice" is defined by reference to the unlawful acts described in Sections 118-4, 118-5, and 118-6. These definitions shape how every other provision in the chapter is applied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Adams, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 118 should be aware that § 118-3 defines the scope of who and what is covered broadly. The term "dwelling" encompasses a wide range of residential structures and even vacant land offered for residential development, and "person" includes corporations and other legal entities — meaning business owners of rental properties are directly subject to the chapter's requirements. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with these definitions because they determine whether a given property, transaction, or party falls within the chapter's reach.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 118-3 of Adams, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 118 defines terms in ways that tend to expand protections for housing seekers and residents. For instance, the broad definition of "family" — which includes a single individual — means that a person living alone is not excluded from the chapter's protections, and the wide definition of "to rent" covers leases, subleases, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights. Tenants who believe they have experienced a discriminatory housing practice as defined in § 118-3 may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or reviewing the specific prohibited acts outlined in Sections 118-4 through 118-6 to understand 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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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