Dryden, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 140 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 140-1
Definitions
Operative Text
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 §§ 140-2 , 140-3 and 140-4 . 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 140-1 of Dryden, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 140 establishes the foundational definitions that govern the town's fair housing chapter. Key terms such as 'dwelling,' 'family,' 'person,' and 'to rent' are given broad meanings — for example, a single individual qualifies as a 'family,' and 'to rent' covers leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights for consideration. These definitions shape how the anti-discrimination rules in §§ 140-2 through 140-4 are applied throughout the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Dryden should be aware that under § 140-1, the definitions governing the fair housing chapter are intentionally broad. The term 'dwelling' encompasses a wide range of residential structures and even vacant land offered for residential development, while 'person' covers not just individuals but also corporations, partnerships, and other entities. Compliant operators generally apply these expansive definitions when evaluating their obligations under the discriminatory housing practice provisions referenced in §§ 140-2 through 140-4.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 140-1 of Dryden's fair housing ordinance, the definition of 'family' includes a single individual, meaning protections are not limited to multi-person households. The broad definition of 'to rent' means that various occupancy arrangements — including subleases and other consideration-based agreements — may fall within the chapter's protections against discriminatory housing practices. Tenants who believe they have experienced a discriminatory housing practice as defined by this chapter may wish to review §§ 140-2 through 140-4 and consider reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization or a fair housing agency for general information about 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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