Owego Village, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 114 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 114-3
Definitions and 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 §§ 114-4 , 114-5 and 114-6 . 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 to lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
Section 114-3 of Owego Village's Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of Chapter 114 is interpreted. Key terms such as "dwelling," "family," "person," and "to rent" are given broad meanings — for example, a single individual qualifies as a family, and corporations are treated as persons. These definitions shape the scope of the fair housing rules that follow in the chapter, ensuring that technical or narrow readings of common words do not undermine the chapter's protections.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 114-3, the definitions in Chapter 114 apply broadly to property owners and managers, meaning that the rules cover a wide range of housing arrangements and entities. Because "to rent" encompasses leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights for consideration, operators who structure transactions in non-traditional ways are still subject to the chapter's requirements. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with these definitions to understand how the substantive provisions in §§ 114-4 through 114-6 apply to their specific housing activities.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 114-3 establishes that Chapter 114's protections extend broadly — covering individuals, families of any size, and a wide variety of housing arrangements including subleases and other occupancy agreements. Because "family" includes a single individual, a person living alone is entitled to the same protections against discriminatory housing practices defined in §§ 114-4, 114-5, and 114-6. Tenants who believe they have experienced a discriminatory housing practice may wish to review those sections and consider consulting a tenant-rights organization to understand available enforcement paths.
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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