Ghent, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 136 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 136-3
Definitions
Operative Text
The following terms shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this chapter: AGENT Any person who has charge, care or control of a building, or a part thereof; in which residential rental dwelling units are let. CHANGE IN THE TENANCY A change in the tenancy of a residential dwelling unit shall be deemed to have occurred where said unit is unoccupied for a period of 30 or more consecutive days; or said unit becomes occupied by a person or persons, none of whom occupied same during the immediately preceding tenancy. OWNER Any person or entity who, alone or with others, has legal or equitable title. RENTAL DWELLING Any building which is wholly or partly used or is intended to be used as a habitable space for human occupants for rent. RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCY PERMIT Permit issued by the Building Inspector certifying that a residential rental dwelling unit complies with the provisions of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. RESIDENTIAL RENTAL DWELLING UNIT Any room or contiguous group of rooms for rent located within a building and forming a single, habitable living space for one family.
Section 136-3 of Ghent, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 136 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted and enforced. Key terms include 'Agent' (anyone with charge or control of a rental building), 'Change in the Tenancy' (triggered when a unit sits vacant for 30 or more consecutive days or is newly occupied by someone who wasn't part of the prior tenancy), and 'Residential Occupancy Permit' (a Building Inspector-issued certification that a unit meets New York State fire prevention and building code standards). These definitions set the boundaries for who is covered, what events matter, and what types of housing fall under the chapter's rules.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Ghent, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 136 § 136-3 should be aware that the chapter's obligations can attach to agents—anyone exercising charge, care, or control over a rental building—not just titled owners. A 'Change in the Tenancy' as defined here, including a vacancy of 30 or more consecutive days, can trigger compliance requirements elsewhere in the chapter, so operators generally track occupancy continuity carefully. Maintaining a valid Residential Occupancy Permit issued by the Building Inspector is part of demonstrating that a unit meets applicable New York State fire prevention and building code standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Ghent, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 136 § 136-3, the definition of 'Residential Rental Dwelling Unit' confirms that the chapter's protections extend to any room or connected group of rooms rented as a single living space for one family. The definition of 'Change in the Tenancy' is relevant to tenants because it determines when a new tenancy—rather than a continuation of an existing one—is recognized, which can affect rights and obligations under the broader chapter. Tenants who have questions about whether their unit holds a valid Residential Occupancy Permit or how these definitions apply to their situation may find it useful to contact the Ghent Building Inspector's office or a local tenant-rights organization.
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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