Lockport, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 142 § 142-2
Word usage; definitions
Operative Text
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this article: A. Word usage. (1) Whenever the words "dwelling" and "dwelling unit," "rooming house," "rooming unit," "premises" and "structure" are used in this article, they shall be construed as though they were followed by the words "or any part hereof." (2) Whenever the phrase "any provision of this article" is used in this article, it shall be construed as though it were followed by the words, "or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereof." (3) Whenever the words "Code Enforcement Officer, Director of Code Enforcement and/or Code Enforcement Inspector" are used, it shall be construed to mean or be equivalent to the "Chief Building Inspector of the City of Lockport." B. Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: DWELLING UNIT Any building, except for temporary housing, which is used or intended to be used for living or sleeping by human occupants. MULTIPLE DWELLING Any dwelling containing two or more dwelling units. OCCUPANT Any person over one year of age living, sleeping, cooking or eating in or having actual possession of a dwelling unit or rooming unit, unless otherwise provided. OPERATOR Any person who has charge, care or control of a building, or a part thereof, in which units are let. OWNER Any person who, alone or jointly or with others, shall have legal title (including through a land contract) to any rental unit or multiple dwelling, with or without accompanying possession thereof, or shall have charge, care or control of any rental unit or multiple dwelling as either owner or agent of the owner, or as executor, executrix, administrator, administratrix, trustee, or guardian of the estate of the owner. Any person thus representing the actual owner according to the definition provided shall be bound to comply with the provisions of this article to the same extent were he or she the owner. PERSON Any party, land contractee, individual, firm, corporation, limited liability company, association, partnership or any other similar entity. RENTAL UNIT Any residential dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit not solely occupied by the owner. RESIDENCE Shall be deemed to mean that place where a person maintains a fixed, permanent and principal home and to which he, wherever temporarily located, always intends to return. Any two of the following may be considered by the Department of Building Inspection as proof of residency: a valid New York State drivers license, New York State voter registration card, utility bills, 911 service listing; New York State income tax return, social security statement, and/or automobile registration.
Section 142-2 of Lockport, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 142 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the city's rental housing article. Key terms such as "dwelling unit," "rental unit," "owner," "operator," and "occupant" are given specific legal meanings that apply whenever those words appear in the article or in any rules adopted under it. Notably, the definition of "owner" is broad enough to include agents, executors, trustees, and land contract holders, all of whom are held to the same compliance obligations as a titled owner. The provision also clarifies that references to enforcement personnel—Code Enforcement Officer, Director of Code Enforcement, or Code Enforcement Inspector—all refer to the Chief Building Inspector of the City of Lockport.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 142-2 of Lockport's Chapter 142, anyone who holds legal title, acts as an agent, or exercises charge or control over a rental unit is treated as an "owner" for compliance purposes—meaning responsibility for meeting the article's requirements is not limited to the person whose name appears on the deed. Operators and agents of record should be aware that their role places them under the same obligations as a titled owner. Compliant property managers typically maintain clear documentation of their authority and ensure that all parties in the ownership or management chain understand their shared accountability under this article.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 142-2 defines "rental unit" broadly to include any residential dwelling or rooming unit not solely occupied by the owner, which means most rented living spaces in Lockport fall within the article's protections. Because the definition of "owner" extends to agents, trustees, and land contract holders, tenants generally have recourse against any party exercising control over their unit—not just the titled owner. Tenants who believe a provision of Chapter 142 is being violated may consider contacting the City of Lockport's Department of Building Inspection or consulting a tenant-rights organization to understand available complaint and enforcement paths under this article.
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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