Owego Village, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 162 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 162-6
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: AGENT A representative of a property owner legally authorized and identified to the Village of Owego to act in the owner's behalf in matters regarding respective residential rental units. "Agent" shall include a landlord. CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER The officer who is charged with the administration and enforcement of this code or any duly authorized representative. DWELLING UNIT A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. LANDLORD Any property owner or designated agent who offers a residential rental unit for occupancy to anyone other than the owner. OWNER Any person, agent, operator, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property, as recorded in the official records of the state, county or municipality as holding title to the property, or otherwise having control of the property, including but not limited to the guardian of the estate of any such person, the executor or administrator of the estate of such person if ordered to take possession of real property by a court, a mortgage holder in possession of a residential rental unit, or the holder of a land contract. "Owner" shall include a landlord. RENTAL PROPERTY Any residential rental unit(s) occupied by persons other than the owner. RESIDENTIAL RENTAL UNIT Any dwelling unit(s) occupied by persons other than an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling unit. RESIDENTIAL RENTAL UNIT OCCUPANCY PERMIT A permit issued by the Village of Owego stating that the rental property and/or residential rental unit conforms to the standards of the Property Maintenance Code and Fire Code of New York State and the Village of Owego Code and that the rental unit is permitted for residential rental use. Any special circumstances or conditions under which occupancy is permitted may be specified on such permit. TENANT A person, corporation, partnership or group, occupying a residential rental unit. UNFIT RESIDENTIAL RENTAL UNIT When a residential rental unit(s) is found to be unsafe or unfit for human occupancy or is found unlawful pursuant to applicable laws, rules or regulations.
Section 162-6 of Owego Village's Code of Ordinances establishes the definitions that govern the entire residential rental registration and inspection article. Key terms such as "landlord," "owner," "tenant," "dwelling unit," and "residential rental unit occupancy permit" are given specific meanings that apply throughout the article. Notably, the definitions are broad — for example, "owner" encompasses not just titleholders but also mortgage holders in possession, land contract holders, and estate representatives. These definitions set the interpretive foundation for all rights, duties, and enforcement actions described elsewhere in Chapter 162.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 162-6, property owners and their representatives should be aware that the Village of Owego defines "landlord" and "owner" broadly, meaning that responsibility for compliance with Chapter 162 can extend to agents, mortgage holders in possession, and estate administrators — not just the person whose name appears on a deed. Operators who designate an agent to manage rental units should ensure that agent is legally authorized and formally identified to the Village, as the definition of "agent" requires. Understanding these definitions is foundational to knowing who bears responsibility for obtaining and maintaining a Residential Rental Unit Occupancy Permit under the broader article.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 162-6 defines "tenant" to include not just individuals but also corporations, partnerships, and groups occupying a residential rental unit, which means the protections and obligations in Chapter 162 apply broadly to a wide range of occupants. The definition of "unfit residential rental unit" — covering units that are unsafe, unfit for human occupancy, or unlawful — is a key term that may be relevant if a tenant believes their unit fails to meet applicable standards. Tenants who have concerns about conditions in their rental unit may consider contacting the Village of Owego's Code Enforcement Officer, who is specifically defined in § 162-6 as the authority charged with administering and enforcing this code, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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