Canton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 158-3
Word usage and 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: (1) Words used in the singular include the plural. (2) Words used in the present tense include the future tense. (3) The word "person" includes a corporation as well as an individual. (4) 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 the Fair Housing Act of 1988. 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. FAMILIAL STATUS One or more individuals (who have not attained the age of 18 years) being domiciled with: (1) A parent or another person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or (2) The designee of such parent or other person having custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person. FAMILY Includes a single individual. HANDICAPPED With respect to a person: (1) A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities; (2) A record of having such an impairment; or (3) Being regarded as having such an impairment, but such term does not include current, illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance [as defined in Section 102 of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. § 802 )]. 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. C. The protection afforded against discrimination on the basis of familial status shall apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years.
Section 158-3 of Canton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 158 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted. Key terms such as 'dwelling,' 'familial status,' 'handicapped,' 'person,' and 'to rent' are given specific meanings that may be broader than everyday usage — for example, 'family' includes a single individual, and 'to rent' encompasses leasing, subleasing, and similar arrangements. The provision also clarifies that protections based on familial status extend to pregnant individuals and those in the process of obtaining legal custody of a minor.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Canton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 158 should be familiar with the definitions set out in § 158-3, as these terms govern the scope of the chapter's requirements. Because 'person' encompasses corporations and other legal entities, and 'to rent' covers a wide range of occupancy arrangements beyond a standard lease, compliant operators apply the chapter's rules across all such transactions. Operators also recognize that 'familial status' protections reach pregnant applicants and those pursuing legal custody of minors, not just households with children already present.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 158-3 of Canton's Chapter 158 defines the terms that shape your rights under the local housing ordinance, and understanding these definitions can be important when evaluating whether a housing practice may be unlawful. For instance, the broad definition of 'familial status' means that protections may apply to pregnant individuals or those seeking custody of a minor, not only to households that already include children. Tenants who believe a housing practice may violate these provisions can look into filing a complaint with a relevant fair housing agency, raising the issue as a defense in a housing proceeding, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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