New Berlin, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 80 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 80-2
Definitions; word usage
Operative Text
A. General. For the purpose of this chapter, certain words or phrases herein shall be interpreted as follows, except where the context clearly indicates the contrary. Words used in the singular include the plural, words used in the present tense include the future tense, the word "person" includes a corporation as well as an individual, and the word "shall" is always mandatory. B. Specific words or phrases. For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under §§ 80-3 , 80-4 and 80-5 . DWELLING Any building, structure or portion thereof which is occupied as or designed or intended for occupancy as a residence by one or more families, and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, structure or portion thereof. FAMILY Includes a single individual. PERSON Includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers and fiduciaries. TO RENT Includes a lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
Section 80-2 of New Berlin, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 80 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter is read and applied. Key terms such as "dwelling," "family," "person," and "to rent" are given broad meanings — for example, a single individual qualifies as a "family," and "person" encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just natural persons. These definitions shape the scope of the fair housing protections and obligations set out in the sections that follow, and the word "shall" throughout the chapter carries mandatory force.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Chapter 80 should be aware that § 80-2 defines the terms used throughout the chapter broadly. Because "dwelling" covers any building or portion thereof designed for residential occupancy — and "to rent" includes leases, subleases, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights for consideration — a wide range of housing transactions and property types fall within the chapter's reach. Operators generally ensure that their practices align with these definitions when evaluating their obligations under §§ 80-3, 80-4, and 80-5.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 80-2 of New Berlin's housing code establishes that the protections in Chapter 80 apply broadly: a single person qualifies as a "family," and the definition of "to rent" covers leases, subleases, and similar arrangements. This means that individuals in a variety of living situations — not just traditional multi-person households — may be covered by the fair housing provisions referenced in §§ 80-3, 80-4, and 80-5. Tenants who believe these definitions are relevant to a housing concern can consult a tenant-rights organization or a local housing authority for general information about how the chapter applies.
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.
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