Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 54-10
Plural and singular; gender
Operative Text
Words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural the singular; the masculine gender includes the feminine, and the feminine the masculine.
Section 54-10 of Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 54 establishes a standard rule of grammatical construction: whenever the rent regulations use a singular word, it also covers plural situations, and vice versa. Similarly, any gendered term (masculine or feminine) is understood to apply regardless of the gender of the person involved. This ensures that the language of the ordinance applies broadly rather than being limited by its literal grammatical form.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 54-10, operators managing multiple rental units should understand that obligations written in the singular—such as a reference to 'a tenant' or 'a landlord'—apply equally to situations involving multiple parties or properties. Compliant operators read the ordinance's requirements as gender-neutral and applicable across all tenants and ownership structures. This construction principle means no provision of Chapter 54 can be avoided simply by pointing to a mismatch in number or gender in the text.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 54-10 means that renters should not be concerned that a protection written in the singular or in gendered terms somehow excludes them based on those grammatical details. Rights described for 'a tenant' extend to all tenants, and gendered references cover everyone regardless of gender. Tenants who believe a Chapter 54 protection applies to their situation can raise this construction rule when consulting a tenant-rights organization or when presenting a concern to the relevant local authority.
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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