Athens Village, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 145 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 145-2
Word usage; definitions
Operative Text
A. 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. 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 §§ 145-3 , 145-4 and 145-5 . 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, trustee 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.
Athens Village, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 145 § 145-2 establishes the foundational vocabulary for the village's fair housing chapter. It clarifies that key terms like 'dwelling,' 'family,' 'person,' and 'to rent' carry broad meanings — for example, a single individual qualifies as a 'family,' and 'person' encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just individuals. These definitions shape how every other provision in Chapter 145 is read and applied, and the word 'shall' throughout the chapter is always treated as a mandatory directive rather than a suggestion.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Athens Village should be aware that § 145-2 defines the scope of who and what is covered under Chapter 145's fair housing rules. Because 'dwelling' includes any building or portion thereof designed for residential occupancy, and 'to rent' covers leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights, a wide range of rental activities fall within the chapter's reach. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with these definitions to understand how terms used in §§ 145-3, 145-4, and 145-5 apply to their properties and business structures.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 145-2 of Athens Village's Code of Ordinances broadly defines who is protected and what housing arrangements are covered under Chapter 145. Notably, a single individual counts as a 'family,' and the definition of 'dwelling' is expansive, meaning many types of residential situations may fall under the chapter's protections. Tenants who believe a housing practice may be unlawful under this chapter can review the definitions in § 145-2 alongside §§ 145-3, 145-4, and 145-5, and may consider reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization or fair housing agency 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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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