Gates, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 148 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 148-2
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE A certificate issued pursuant to § 148-6 of this chapter. CHAPTER Chapter 148 , Rental Properties, of the Code of the Town of Gates. CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Hereafter referred to as the "Building Inspector" and used interchangeably herein as "Code Enforcement Officer"; the Code Enforcement Officer appointed pursuant to Chapter 70 , the Building Construction and Fire Prevention, of the Town of Gates. CODE ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL Includes the Building Inspector, Fire Marshal and all certified code enforcement officials as appointed by the Town of Gates. DWELLING UNIT A structure or building or part thereof or any area, room or rooms therein, occupied or to be occupied by one or more persons as a home or residence. OWNER The owner or any other person having the right to control the possession of a dwelling unit. RENT A return in money, property or other valuable consideration (including payment in kind or services or other thing of value), for use and occupancy or the right to the use and occupancy of a dwelling unit, whether or not a legal relationship of landlord and tenant exists between the owner and the occupant or occupants thereof. RENTAL DWELLING UNIT A dwelling unit established, occupied, used or maintained for rental occupancy. RENTAL OCCUPANCY The occupancy or use of a dwelling unit by one or more persons other than the owner as a home or residence under an arrangement whereby the occupant or occupants thereof pay rent for such occupancy and use. RENTAL PROPERTY A property upon which is located a building or buildings or structure or structures which include one or more rental dwelling units. SHORT-TERM RENTAL PROPERTY A property upon which is located a building or buildings or structure or structures which include one or more rental dwelling units, and one or more of the dwelling units is occupied or used by one or more persons other than the owner as a home or residence for a period of less than three months under an arrangement whereby the occupant or occupants thereof pay rent for such occupancy and use. Short-term rental properties include, but are not limited to, vacation rental homes and what are commonly referred to as "bed-and-breakfast" establishments. TOWN The Town of Gates, New York. UNIFORM CODE The New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code, as currently in effect and hereafter amended from time to time.
Section 148-2 of Gates, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 148 establishes the official definitions that govern how key terms are interpreted throughout the town's rental property regulations. It clarifies, for example, that 'rent' covers not just money but any valuable consideration exchanged for the right to occupy a dwelling unit, and that 'rental occupancy' applies whenever someone other than the owner lives in a unit in exchange for that consideration. The definitions also distinguish between standard rental properties and short-term rental properties — the latter covering arrangements of less than three months, including vacation rentals and bed-and-breakfast establishments.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in the Town of Gates should familiarize themselves with the definitions set out in § 148-2, because these terms carry specific legal meanings that apply throughout Chapter 148. Notably, the broad definition of 'owner' includes anyone with the right to control possession of a dwelling unit, and 'rent' encompasses non-cash arrangements, meaning compliance obligations can arise even in informal or barter-style tenancies. Operators of short-term rentals — including vacation homes and bed-and-breakfasts — should be aware that § 148-2 places those arrangements in a distinct defined category that may trigger separate requirements under the chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in the Town of Gates benefit from understanding the definitions in § 148-2, because those definitions shape the scope of protections and obligations that apply under Chapter 148. The broad definition of 'rental occupancy' means that a wide range of living arrangements — including informal ones — may fall within the chapter's coverage, regardless of whether a formal lease exists. Tenants who have questions about whether their arrangement qualifies under these definitions, or how those definitions affect their rights, may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or review the full text of Chapter 148 of the Gates Code of Ordinances.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation