Rensselaer, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 95 § 95-2
Definitions
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 §§ 95-3 , 95-4 and 95-5 . 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 to lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned the occupant.
Section 95-2 of Rensselaer, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 95 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter 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 "person" encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just natural persons. These definitions shape the scope of the fair housing protections and prohibitions set out in the sections that follow.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Rensselaer should be aware that Chapter 95 § 95-2 defines the terms used throughout the local fair housing ordinance broadly. Because "dwelling" covers any building or portion thereof designed for residential occupancy, and "to rent" includes subleases and other arrangements granting occupancy rights, a wide range of rental transactions fall within the chapter's reach. Operators who understand these definitions are better positioned to apply the substantive requirements in §§ 95-3, 95-4, and 95-5 consistently across their properties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Renters in Rensselaer benefit from the broad definitions established in Chapter 95 § 95-2, which extend the chapter's protections to a wide variety of living situations and arrangements. Because "family" includes a single individual and "to rent" covers subleases and similar occupancy agreements, protections are not limited to traditional lease arrangements or multi-person households. Tenants who believe a housing practice may be discriminatory under §§ 95-3, 95-4, or 95-5 can consult a local tenant-rights organization or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to explore available options.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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