Massena, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 227 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 227-2

As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: ABSENTEE LANDLORD Any landlord who resides outside the designated boundaries of St. Lawrence County as those boundaries may be defined at the time of regular, periodic property registration. HOUSING OR DWELLING UNIT Any single unit with provisions for cooking, living, sanitary and sleeping facilities designed exclusively for residential use which is capable of housing one separate household, whether a detached single-family structure or building or part of a multihousehold structure or building. IMMEDIATE FAMILY The immediate family of the owner of a housing unit consists of the owner's spouse, children, parents, grandparents or grandchildren. LANDLORD Any property owner who offers a housing unit for occupancy to persons other than members of immediate family in exchange for a fee or compensation, whether monetary or otherwise. RENTAL CERTIFICATE A certificate issued by the Village of Massena for a building that has three or more dwelling units therein, stating that the referenced structure or unit conforms to the standards of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, Property Maintenance Code, and General Code of the Village of Massena and that occupancy of that structure or unit is permitted for residential use. Any special circumstances or conditions under which occupancy is permitted may be specified on that certificate. RENTAL PROPERTY Any housing unit or units which are occupied by persons other than the owner or immediate family or for which a fee or compensation, monetary or otherwise, is received by the owner in exchange for such occupation, but shall not include: A. Legally existing hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts providing short-term transient accommodations. B. Any housing owned or managed by the Massena Housing Authority or any affordable or senior multifamily dwelling unit developments, owned and/or managed by a not-for-profit organization. C. Condominiums or residential cooperatives. D. Units utilized as an Airbnb, VRBO, or other form of short-term rental. RESIDENT AGENT A representative of a property owner or landlord who resides within the designated boundaries of St. Lawrence County as defined at the time of periodic property registration. SUBSTANDARD Any deficiency in a structure or housing unit as defined by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, Property Maintenance Code, and General Code of the Village of Massena.