Lackawanna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 139 § 139-4
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: AGENT The designated representative of an owner, lessor, operator, occupant, or person, as filed with the Department of Development. LESSOR The grantor of a lease interest in premises. OCCUPANT The person in occupancy, or in possession, or in control of premises, or using premises. OPERATOR The person engaged in the activity of renting or providing space or premises for occupancy or use by others. OWNER The person exercising dominion or control over, or vested with title in, premises; a proprietor (legal owner, joint owner, part owner, record owner, equitable owner, reputed owner, or their successors in interest); or the respective agent of any of them. PERSON The owner, lessor, operator, or occupant of premises, or any firm or corporation, directly or indirectly in control of premises. PREMISES The land (improved or unimproved), place, property, buildings, structures, equipment, facilities, and improvements, if any.
Section 139-4 of Lackawanna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 139 establishes the working vocabulary for the entire chapter by defining key terms such as "owner," "lessor," "operator," "occupant," "agent," "person," and "premises." These definitions are intentionally broad — for example, "owner" encompasses legal, equitable, and reputed owners as well as their successors — ensuring that responsibilities under the chapter cannot easily be avoided by pointing to technicalities of title or control. The definitions apply uniformly whenever those terms appear elsewhere in Chapter 139.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Lackawanna should be aware that Section 139-4 defines "owner" and "operator" expansively, capturing not just record title holders but also equitable owners, joint owners, and their agents. A compliant operator typically ensures that any designated agent is formally filed with the Department of Development, as the definition of "agent" specifically requires that filing. Understanding these definitions helps operators recognize when obligations under Chapter 139 attach to their role, regardless of how ownership or management is structured.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 139-4 is relevant to tenants because it defines "occupant" and "person" broadly, meaning that rights and obligations under Chapter 139 can apply to anyone in possession or control of premises, not just named lease signatories. Tenants who believe a landlord is attempting to avoid Chapter 139 responsibilities by claiming a complex ownership or agency structure may find that the expansive definitions of "owner" and "operator" in this section support their position. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Lackawanna's housing code can help explain how these definitions interact with other provisions of Chapter 139.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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