Sand Lake, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 115 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 115-4
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 §§ 115-5 , 115-6 and 115-7 . 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. FAMILIAL STATUS Includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. 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 To lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
Section 115-4 of Sand Lake, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 115 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted. Key terms such as 'dwelling,' 'familial status,' 'family,' 'person,' and 'to rent' are given broad meanings — for example, a 'family' can be a single individual, and 'person' encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just natural persons. These definitions shape the scope of what counts as a discriminatory housing practice under the chapter, ensuring that the protections and prohibitions apply across a wide range of housing situations and parties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Sand Lake should be aware that the definitions in § 115-4 set a broad baseline for who and what is covered under Chapter 115. Because 'dwelling' includes any structure or portion thereof designed for residential occupancy, and 'to rent' encompasses leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights, compliant operators generally apply the chapter's requirements across all such arrangements — not just traditional lease agreements. Recognizing that 'familial status' covers pregnant individuals and those seeking custody of children under 18, as well as households with minors, helps operators understand the full range of protected characteristics addressed in §§ 115-5, 115-6, and 115-7.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 115-4 of Sand Lake's Chapter 115 defines the terms that determine who is protected and what housing situations are covered under the local fair housing framework. Notably, 'family' includes a single individual, and 'familial status' extends to pregnant people and those in the process of obtaining custody of children under 18 — meaning a wide range of household compositions may be protected. Tenants who believe a housing practice may be unlawful under the definitions established in § 115-4 can explore options such as contacting a local tenant-rights organization or reviewing the specific prohibitions outlined in §§ 115-5, 115-6, and 115-7 for further 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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation